Continuity in economy, focus on purchasing power
Economically, while Kamala Harris has announced measures aimed at boosting Americans’ purchasing power, she remains aligned with “Bidenomics.” “Kamala Harris, vice president for four years, maintains continuity with (President) Joe Biden’s policies, which have seen mixed results. The strong growth during Biden’s presidency is undeniable but came at the cost of high budgetary stimulation. The policy of reindustrialization, at this stage, has not been successful,” noted a report from the economic consulting firm Astères.
If elected, Harris envisions a set of aid measures for American households (eliminating taxes on tips, tax credits for buying or building homes, reductions in various family taxes, particularly for households with children, etc.). Yet, these proposals largely extend Biden’s policies, maintaining or increasing support.
Foreign Policy: Differences in tone, not substance
Even in foreign policy, Harris follows in the Biden administration’s footsteps. During her address at the Democratic convention in August in Chicago, she reiterated her support for Ukraine and Israel. Like Biden, and in contrast to the former president and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, she is committed to the United States’ international alliances, reminding the Munich Security Conference in early 2024 that these alliances “have contributed to making America the most powerful and richest country in the world, preventing wars, defending freedom, and maintaining stability from Europe to the Indo-Pacific.”
While closely watched on the Gaza issue, where young people on campuses have mobilized to protest American support for Israel, Harris, though more vocal about Gaza’s casualties than Biden, does not represent a distinct policy stance. In the party platform on international issues, adopted during this summer’s Democratic convention, there’s reaffirmed “strong U.S. support for Israel in its fight against Hamas.” “President Biden and Vice President Harris oppose any unilateral actions by either side, including annexations, that undermine the prospect of a two-state solution.”
An inspiring journey
The significant difference between the two Democratic candidates lies not in ideas but in their personalities. Harris represents a new generation, both in age (60 versus Biden’s 81) and personal background. As the daughter of an Indian mother and Jamaican father, she reflects the diverse America, where minorities will soon collectively form the majority, projected to occur within 20 years.
Dynamic and enthusiastic, with a focus on social issues (abortion rights, racism, etc.), Harris appears positioned to re-engage key Democratic voter groups that may have felt less motivated to vote for Biden again.
Polls suggest that this is particularly true for young people, Latinos, and African Americans, groups that Trump has not given up on attracting in 2024. In 2016 and 2020, the Republican candidate struggled to appeal to these segments. For instance, barely one in three voters aged 18 to 29 voted for him.
