Staff Reports
Kamala Harris is embarking on an uphill battle as she attempts to lure voters with a social agenda while the financial stability of Americans hangs in the balance. With inflation at its peak, her strategy leans heavily on bolstering support among women, minorities, and other traditionally Democratic districts. However, this approach comes with its own set of challenges, particularly as memories of a booming economy under Donald Trump linger in the minds of many voters.
In the recent economic showdown, Trump has been swift to remind everyone of his time in office, boasting about record-low unemployment rates among minority groups and impressive job and wage growth. It’s no wonder he remains popular with his followers. Meanwhile, Harris finds herself tethered to the dismal performance of Bidenomics, which failed to deliver the economic prosperity it promised. Inflation and high costs are the unwelcome companions in her campaign, tarnishing her attempts to sell an economic strategy that doesn’t resonate with a concerned electorate.
As she courts women and minorities, Harris faces harsh reality they fared well in Trump economy https://t.co/Bky4w3EXER
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) August 22, 2024
While Harris pushes the narrative that her leadership will unlock unprecedented economic opportunities for women, critics are quick to counter that under Trump’s administration, women experienced substantial wage growth and meaningful policy changes. Notably, the median weekly earnings for women saw a significant boost during Trump’s tenure, while they have since been eroded under the Biden-Harris regime—leaving many women with less purchasing power today. Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik highlighted how the Trump administration’s initiatives favored women, while the current administration only seems to have increased financial burdens.
As if that weren’t enough, Harris faces an uphill battle with Hispanic and Latino voters, a demographic that has been shifting toward the GOP. Trump’s campaign has been aggressive in courting these voters based on an economic message that’s proven effective. Despite the raw numbers suggesting some income increases under Biden, when adjusted for inflation, Hispanic Americans have actually lost ground economically since 2021—a fact not lost on a constituency eager for real improvement. This economic malaise under Harris stands in stark contrast to Trump’s optimistic vision of restoration and economic stability.
The same story holds true for the Black community, traditionally a stronghold of Democratic support that is now showing signs of potential fracture. Trump’s coalition for Black Americans is effectively undermining Harris’s narrative as he points to significant gains in median weekly earnings during his presidency. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Trump’s economic policies created a pathway for upward mobility for Black families. On the other hand, under Biden, gains have been outpaced by inflation, leaving many in the Black community questioning the direction of their economic futures.
Ultimately, as the campaigns heat up, both candidates will have to grapple with the overarching issue of economic perception. For Harris, it’s clear that tying herself to an unpopular Biden administration will be an anchor dragging her campaign down. Meanwhile, Trump’s track record provides him a smoother path to effectively communicate his vision for the future. If he can capture that narrative, it may well secure another victory for his brand of economic restoration in the coming elections.
