Harris’ Campaign Faces Scrutiny on Policies

A recent poll suggests that Kamala Harris has a growing advantage over Donald Trump regarding public perception on handling inflation.

Why it matters: As Harris advances in her campaign, her ability to distance herself from the economic struggles experienced during Biden’s presidency and present a fresh economic perspective could be crucial to her success.

The details:

• A snap poll conducted by Democratic pollster Blueprint revealed that 50% of registered voters believe Harris would better manage lowering prices on goods and services compared to Trump.
• Although Biden worked to strengthen the economy, his administration was persistently marred by high inflation during his term, proving difficult for him to overcome in the eyes of voters.
• Harris appears to have an opportunity to appeal to less politically engaged voters who might have been critical of Biden’s economic performance.
• The Republican opposition is expected to focus on linking Harris to the inflation experienced during Biden’s presidency, and how effectively she manages to counter these narratives will be key to her success.

Harris will need well-defined strategies for discussing the Biden administration’s track record on the economy, presenting her plans to tackle persistent cost concerns, and alleviating fears of a return to high inflation.

What’s next: Harris’ ability to effectively communicate and formulate her economic policies could prove decisive in the upcoming election. Her performance in recent polls indicates a window of opportunity to make a compelling case that eluded Biden.

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Vice President Kamala Harris is facing a complex political landscape as she campaigns against Republican Donald Trump. Harris asserts, “I will proudly put my record against his any day of the week.”

Vice President @KamalaHarris is in Atlanta to underscore all that is at stake in this election. There’s too much on the line to sit this race out. Tune in now. https://t.co/JkSdtWpAF6

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 30, 2024

Election Day is 100 days away and there’s never been more at stake.

Let’s get @KamalaHarris to the White House. pic.twitter.com/Pm22yFNJMo

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 28, 2024

Her previous positions from her unsuccessful presidential campaign four years ago are being resurfaced by Republicans, who blame her for controversies during President Joe Biden’s administration. While Harris seeks acknowledgment for accomplishments achieved under Biden, she is also working to forge her own path.

During her 2020 bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, Harris advocated for progressive immigration policies. She supported healthcare for immigrants in the U.S. illegally and the decriminalization of border crossings.

Over the last year:

Inflation has come down to 2.5%.

The economy has grown 3.1%.

We’ve created 2.6 million jobs.

Wages are rising faster than prices.

The Biden-Harris economic agenda is delivering for working families. pic.twitter.com/jVOdnsAobK

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 28, 2024

As vice president, she worked on addressing root causes of migration from Central America, despite illegal border crossings reaching historic levels.

The Biden administration faced political fallout over border security, leading to new asylum restrictions that frustrated immigration advocates. The Harris campaign notes her support for Biden’s request for additional border enforcement funding. The Biden administration has shown unwavering support for Israeli military operations despite concerns over Palestinian casualties.

Harris has echoed the administration’s stance while emphasizing reconstructive planning for Gaza and acknowledging the suffering of Palestinian civilians. Her stance aligns closely with Biden’s but focuses on humanitarian concerns.

Harris’ evolving stance on immigration

Following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, Harris and Biden have pushed for the restoration of nationwide abortion rights, aiming for legislative action if Democrats regain full control of Congress. Harris has been vocal about the need to protect abortion rights, making it a central issue in her campaign.

In contrast, Biden, citing his Catholic background, frames the discussion around government non-intrusion into personal lives. Harris began her political career as San Francisco’s district attorney. After George Floyd’s murder, she expressed support for the “defund the police” movement but faced challenges in overhauling policing legislation.

The White House’s legislative efforts stalled, leading to limited federal intervention in local departments. Harris’s law enforcement stance remains a significant contrast to Trump’s as she runs against him. As a 2020 presidential candidate, Harris supported banning fracking and advancing the Green New Deal.

The Biden administration adopted a more balanced approach with the Inflation Reduction Act, which directed $375 billion towards combating climate change and allowed for increased U.S. oil production. The Harris campaign has since shifted, no longer seeking to ban fracking if she is elected.