Harris is not letting herself be positioned simply as Biden’s successor on the economy.
WASHINGTON — Kamala Harris is aiming to address a significant weakness that has threatened her chances since she took over as the Democratic nominee: voter dissatisfaction with high prices.
Harris is focusing on the economy to appeal to voters still struggling with economic hardships. This marks one of her most distinct breaks from Biden since she assumed the role.
While Biden spent the past year promoting “Bidenomics” and asserting that voters would eventually recognize his achievements, he largely avoided addressing the high costs of groceries and other essentials directly.
In contrast, Harris is more attuned to the voter frustration over the cost of living and is positioning herself as the candidate best equipped to alleviate financial pressures. Although she doesn’t criticize Biden directly, her approach and messaging suggest she wants to establish her own identity rather than being seen solely as Biden’s successor.
“We’ve experienced a historic inflation shock,” said a Harris campaign adviser, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “This has impacted every American in different ways, and it takes time for that to fully work through people’s lives.”
Harris has introduced a range of proposals designed to reassure voters that she would take action to lower costs if elected. Her rhetoric has taken on a more populist tone compared to Biden’s, targeting profit-driven corporations and landlords for driving up prices on essentials like groceries and rent.
Polling indicates that key Democratic voter groups are dissatisfied with the economy. For instance, Gen Z voters under 30 have identified inflation and the cost of living as their primary concerns, according to a recent NBC News survey.
Although inflation is decreasing, prices remain about 20% higher than they were during the pandemic.
A recent CNBC survey of registered voters asked whether they would be better off financially under a Harris or Trump presidency. A notable plurality, 40%, said they would fare better if Trump won, compared to just 21% who felt they would be better off under Harris.
Harris argues that her proposals are sound policy, but presidential campaigns are primarily about winning votes. Her new policies could enhance her appeal to crucial voter segments where she needs to strengthen her position.
Her upcoming debate with Trump on Tuesday night represents a key opportunity to communicate her message, highlighting her background as the daughter of a single mother who faced economic struggles. She aims to connect with voters’ economic anxieties and present solutions.
“When I am elected president, I will prioritize lowering costs and increasing economic security for all Americans,” Harris stated last month in North Carolina. “As president, I will tackle the high costs that matter most to Americans, like food.”
Harris is particularly targeting younger voters who are starting families and buying homes. Her proposals include a $6,000 tax credit for parents of newborns and a $25,000 subsidy for first-time homebuyers to help with down payments.
“Clearly, housing has been a major issue for younger voters. She’s addressing that directly,” said Brendan Duke, a former senior adviser in the Biden White House’s National Economic Council.
To replicate the Democrats’ success from 2020, Harris needs to energize young voters. In the NBC News survey of Gen Z voters under 30, 50% supported Harris, compared to 34% for Trump. However, Biden won this demographic by 24 points in 2020, according to a Pew Research Center study.
