Vice President @KamalaHarris will be ready to serve on day one. Let’s make her president.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 10, 2024
Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, is facing a significant challenge as she pitches her economic plans to voters amid fears of a recession in the United States. With unemployment at its highest level in nearly three years and the economy looking in danger of falling into a recession, Harris has her work cut out for her in the nearly four months leading up to the election. Harris’ economic vision largely aligns with President Joe Biden’s, focusing on building a robust middle class through various measures such as wealth creation, racial equity, and access to capital.
Vice President @KamalaHarris and Governor @Tim_Walz are running a campaign on behalf of all Americans.
And when they’re elected, they will govern on behalf of all Americans.pic.twitter.com/NT3ErWoDPw
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 9, 2024
However, she brings her own distinct priorities, such as increasing the child tax credit and supporting working families with children. Harris speaks of economic reform in broad yet ambitious terms on the campaign trail. We believe in a future where every person has the opportunity to build a business, own a home, and build intergenerational wealth — a future with affordable health care, affordable child care, and paid leave,” she told a crowd in Atlanta.
Despite these ambitious plans, the state of the economy remains a pressing concern for voters.
Kamala Harris owns the record of the Biden-Harris administration, and all its failures. pic.twitter.com/7niCThTMyR
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) August 9, 2024
The unemployment rate is the highest it has been in nearly three years, and although inflation has decreased from its peak in mid-2022, many Americans still feel the pinch of high prices.
Harris emphasizes economic stability
Recent polls show the Republican nominee, Donald Trump, leading Harris by just 3 points on economic trustworthiness.
Here is my take on @AlJazeera 's business program Counting the Cost w/ Adrian Finnegan on Ukraine, Russia's Lukoil, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic & the EU. My interview starts at 12:12 but stay for the whole program if you can.https://t.co/KEwuTqz5sz
— Theresa Fallon (@TheresaAFallon) August 10, 2024
As the current vice president, Harris faces the challenge of overcoming negative economic sentiments tied to the party in power. Harris’ selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate resulted from a whirlwind 16-day process.
With President Biden seeking a second term together with Harris, Democrats weren’t supposed to have a vice-presidential search. But as soon as the 81-year-old president endorsed Harris, it was go time. Harris immediately tapped former Attorney General Eric Holder and former White House counsel Dana Remus to lead the effort.
They formally vetted nine choices before settling on Walz, known for his calm demeanor and strong legislative background. The rapid, intense decision-making process gives a glimpse into how Harris manages tight timelines and critical decisions, skills she will undoubtedly need as she campaigns for the highest office in the land.
