US Vice-President Kamala Harris, seeking to sharpen her economic message, pledged to usher in new investments in domestic manufacturing across a range of industries if elected to the White House in November.
In a speech in the must-win state of Pennslyvania on Wednesday, Harris cast herself as “a capitalist” with a pragmatic approach to boosting the middle class.An hour before the speech, her Republican rival Donald Trump touted his own economic agenda – including a 15% made-in-America tax proposal – while visiting North Carolina.
Both candidates are campaigning in battleground states this week on their competing visions for the econcomy, a key issue that voters say is a top priority in casting a ballot.In a tacit rebuttal to Republican claims that she supports “communist” policies, Harris described herself as “a capitalist”.
“I promise you I will be pragmatic in my approach,” she said at an event hosted by The Economic Club of Pittsburgh.
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Approach in Economic Pitch to Voters
Building on her vision for an “opportunity economy”, Harris laid out new proposals to help young families, first time homebuyers and the elderly through $100bn worth in tax breaks and financial incentives. She vowed new investments in artifical intelligence, aerospace and energy development.
Harris added, however, that tax rates for large corporations and the wealthiest Americans must rise so they “pay their fair share”.She also promised to reform permitting to speed up building in the US, eliminate college degree requirements for federal jobs and increase union apprenticeships, if elected.
“I intend to chart a new way forward and grow America’s middle class” she argued, while Trump has “no intention to grow our middle class — he’s only interested in making life better for himself and people like himself”.The economy routinely emerges as the top issue for voters this November and both candidates have touted populist policies, with Harris appearing to mirror a Trump proposal to end taxation on service workers’ tips.
In her sitdown with MSNBC, Harris said that “Donald Trump has a history of taking care of rich people”.”I’m not mad at anybody for being rich, but they should pay their fair share,” she added, arguing that Trump advocates “tax cuts for the billionaires and the top corporations in our country”.
“My perspective on the economy is when you grow the middle class, America’s economy is stronger, and there’s empirical evidence to prove my point correct.”
A Practical Plan for a Changing Economy
In recent speeches and campaign stops, Harris has emphasized her focus on real-world solutions rather than grand political promises. “People don’t need more rhetoric,” Harris said at a town hall event. “What they need is a government that understands their day-to-day struggles and can offer practical solutions to help them get ahead.”
Harris’s plan revolves around a steady, clear-eyed approach to tackling inflation, boosting wages, and making life more affordable for working families. Her economic agenda includes expanding access to affordable childcare, lowering healthcare costs, and creating more jobs through investments in green energy and infrastructure. Harris has also highlighted the administration’s achievements, pointing to a rebounding job market and efforts to bring down inflation, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges many Americans still face.
Balancing Long-Term Vision with Immediate Relief
Harris is walking a fine line between promoting long-term economic policies and addressing the immediate concerns of voters feeling the pinch from rising prices. “This administration knows that economic recovery doesn’t happen overnight,” she said, acknowledging inflation concerns while stressing the importance of staying the course on broader economic reforms like the Inflation Reduction Act.
In addition to addressing cost-of-living issues, Harris is pushing for investments in education and workforce training, particularly in emerging sectors like renewable energy and technology, which she believes will provide long-term economic growth and job security.
Appealing to Everyday Americans
Harris has taken a “kitchen-table” approach to the economy, meeting with small business owners, parents, and workers across the country to listen to their concerns. At a recent stop in Detroit, she met with a group of auto workers to discuss labor rights and the future of manufacturing jobs in an evolving market.
“I’m talking to people who want good-paying jobs and opportunities for their kids. They want to know that they can pay their bills and afford their groceries,” Harris said. “These are the real issues, and that’s where my focus is.”
Her focus on pragmatic solutions is designed to appeal to a broad base of voters, from working-class Americans to those in rural communities, while countering criticism that the administration’s policies are too idealistic or out of touch.
Positioning Herself for 2024
With the 2024 election approaching, Harris is positioning herself as a key player in the Biden administration’s economic strategy. Her pragmatic tone is a clear attempt to reassure voters that, while progress has been made, there is a plan to address ongoing concerns about inflation and economic inequality.
Political analysts see Harris’s messaging as an effort to connect with middle-of-the-road voters who may be skeptical of sweeping reforms or partisan gridlock. “Harris is crafting a message that’s focused on practicality, offering voters a sense of security and a belief that the government is working for them,” said political strategist Rachel Matthews.
Voters’ Reception: Mixed but Optimistic
While Harris’s message has resonated with some voters, others remain cautious. “I appreciate that she’s focusing on real issues like jobs and wages, but I’m waiting to see if these plans actually work,” said Tom Jenkins, a small business owner in Ohio. “I’ve heard a lot of promises before, and I just hope they can deliver.”
Still, for many, Harris’s approach offers a refreshing contrast to political infighting. “She’s talking about things that matter to everyday people, and that’s what I like,” said Carol Stevens, a teacher from Michigan. “It feels like she’s listening.”
As Harris continues her economic pitch, her emphasis on pragmatism could be a central theme of the upcoming campaign. By focusing on concrete solutions and economic stability, she hopes to build trust with voters who are eager for tangible results. With the stakes high in the 2024 election, Harris’s message of practicality and focus on the middle class may be key to winning over voters concerned about the future of the American economy.
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