On a sunny Wednesday in late September, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a pivotal economic policy speech at Carnegie Mellon University, marking a significant moment in her presidential campaign. Addressing a primarily business-oriented audience, Harris outlined her vision for strengthening small businesses, cutting taxes for the middle class, and increasing affordable housing availability.
“I am a capitalist,” Harris proclaimed to the crowd in Pittsburgh, emphasizing her commitment to fostering economic growth through investments in startups and enhancing public-private partnerships. As the presidential race tightens, Harris’s policy-focused approach aims to resonate with voters who may still be unsure about her candidacy. According to a recent New York Times/Siena poll, nearly 30% of likely voters indicated they needed to learn more about the Vice President before making their decision.
In the weeks leading up to the election, the challenge for Harris will be to define herself amid the campaign’s swirling narratives. TIME spoke with 20 current and former campaign advisers, former aides, and policy experts to gain insight into her political strategy. The consensus is that Harris is a pragmatic politician who is balancing her ties to President Joe Biden and her own evolving positions. Her policy proposals serve a larger goal: presenting a credible alternative to a potential second term for Donald Trump.
During her Carnegie Mellon address, Harris unveiled her most comprehensive economic plans since becoming the Democratic nominee. Key proposals include a $50,000 tax deduction to help Americans launch small businesses, a $6,000 Child Tax Credit for families in a baby’s first year, and extending $35 insulin access to all Americans. Additionally, she aims to eliminate degree requirements for 500,000 federal jobs and invest in new manufacturing industries while reducing regulatory burdens to enhance infrastructure.
Harris’s housing policy stands out, as she promises $25,000 in down-payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, tax incentives for builders, and a commitment to constructing 3 million affordable housing units during her first term.
Observers have noted that a Harris presidency would represent a continuation of the Biden administration’s policies but with some notable shifts in tone and emphasis. For instance, Harris has shown a more open approach to discussing abortion rights and has expressed empathy toward Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
However, her evolving positions since the 2020 Democratic primary have raised questions among voters. Once a candidate who supported a public health care option and the Green New Deal, Harris has shifted her stance on several issues. This has led some voters, like registered independent Rodrigo Lopez from Florida, to express uncertainty about her current policy intentions. “It’s hard to tell what her real policy intentions are,” Lopez said, adding that she could win his vote if she clarifies the reasons behind her shifts.
As Harris continues her campaign, defining her vision and addressing voter concerns will be crucial in the final weeks leading up to the election.