Staff Reports
Vice President Kamala Harris has decided it’s time for a makeover and is attempting to recalibrate the Democratic ticket by seizing the spotlight on the economy, all while trying to disconnect from her boss’s shaky economic legacy. After President Biden, presumably tired of wearing his “Bidenomics” t-shirt, dropped out of the race last month, Harris stepped in to fill the gap, clearly trying to rewrite history as she positions herself as the savior of middle-class Americans—a tune that might sound familiar but is likely to fall flat.
In a classic move from the Democratic playbook, Harris has leaned heavily on her past experiences, touting her time flipping burgers at McDonald’s during college as proof she knows what it’s like to struggle as a middle-class worker. It’s quite a clever bit of marketing, depicting herself as the relatable daughter of a working mom. However, while she tries to channel her blue-collar roots, it’s hard to ignore the reality that her policies will likely resemble those of the administration she’s trying to distance herself from. The irony might be lost on some, but it’s not for the average voter.
Harris and Trump campaigns focus on the economy. @selinawangtv reports: "This week is going to be major for both of these campaigns. Both of them are rolling out their economic policy visions this week." pic.twitter.com/E6vbiqadqb
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) August 14, 2024
Recent polling indicates that while Harris may be riding high on a Financial Times survey claiming voters trust her economic handling over former President Trump’s by a slim margin, the overall confidence in her seems far from stabilizing. Most polls still show Trump leading significantly when voters are asked who they believe would better manage the economy. Apparently, a narrow lead in one poll doesn’t outweigh the overwhelming belief that Americans would be financially better off under Trump, even if Harris rolls out her “I work at McDonald’s” slogan.
Despite her attempts to shine, Harris is walking a fine line. She’s planning a joint event with President Biden in Prince George’s County, Maryland, the very definition of awkward. While she aims to carve out her own identity, she can’t seem to shake off the shadow of her former boss, which could lead to some rather funny moments on stage—perhaps a mix of confusion and comedy gold. The Democrats’ strategy seems to resemble a circus where everyone is waiting for the clowns to shock them with how ridiculous it all is.
Let’s not overlook the fact that, despite her campaign’s focus on the economy, Harris is still holding back the specific policies she would implement if elected. Her campaign website is more like a self-promotional brochure, glossing over any substantive details about what “Harrisnomics” might entail. It seems that details will be unveiled at the upcoming Democratic National Convention, which will likely present a platform that echoes Biden’s questionable legacy while attempting to polish it up for public consumption. Meanwhile, the Trump campaign is prepared to unleash a no-holds-barred critique of her potential economic plans—including the inevitable question of whether America can really afford another dose of “Kamala’s brand of economics.”
