In a recent appearance in Philadelphia, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke before the National Association of Black Journalists, a crowd that seemed largely supportive and eager to hear what she had to say. The event, however, had a rather staged feeling, as the journalists on stage were all presumably planning to cast their votes for her come November. The contrast between Harris and former President Donald Trump was stark. Just a month prior, Trump faced the same association in Chicago, and his introduction included a few barbs thrown his way before he could even get a word in. It seems that in the world of politics, the way candidates are presented can feel like a pre-game show—one that sets the stage for a whole different kind of performance.
Questions for Harris today swirled around one of the most pressing issues America faces—the economy. With many Americans wrestling with debt and rising expenses, her past two interviews left supporters and critics alike wanting for solid answers. Rather than tackling the critical questions head-on, Harris took the audience on a scenic detour through her previous accomplishments, emphasizing how her administration inherited a dire economic situation worsened by the pandemic. However, when she wrapped up her speech, it was evident that she still didn’t offer any concrete strategies to help everyday Americans who are trying to keep their heads above water.
As she meandered through her economic “plan,” which she refers to as an “opportunity economy,” it became hard to discern what that meant for the average citizen struggling to afford groceries. Harris didn’t shy away from admitting that the price of groceries remains excessively high. Yet, her solutions sounded more like pie-in-the-sky ideals than actionable change. Among her proposals was a $25,000 assistance program for first-time homebuyers, a plan that could, ironically, inflate home prices even further instead of providing relief to those who are earning less each year.
Moreover, her ideas for stimulating small businesses through tax deductions raised eyebrows. While it’s commendable to support aspiring entrepreneurs, many were left wondering how this would translate to affordability for the rest of the population. For the vast majority of Americans who won’t be starting a business anytime soon, it felt like a missed opportunity to address widespread financial concerns seriously. It prompts the obvious question: is this the best plan Harris has to combat the economic hits from previous government actions that many believe have left everyday citizens in the lurch?
In a rather amusing twist during her economic discourse, Harris made a claim regarding limiting insulin costs that seemed almost too good to be true. It echoed a policy from the Trump era that was rolled back suddenly, only to be reintroduced in a manner suggesting it was a new idea. This kind of political maneuvering leaves many scratching their heads, wondering if there’s anything truly novel being offered or if it’s just a rehash of older policies being repackaged with a different bow.
As the political landscape evolves, it’s clear that the stakes are high, and what voters are seeking is less fluff and more substance. Harris’s recent showcase may have made her friends in the media beam with pride, but for those carefully weighing their options ahead of the upcoming election, the lack of clear, achievable goals could seem more like a circus act than a serious plan to lead the country. In conclusion, it’s difficult not to question whether the current leadership is truly equipped to handle the tough realities that everyday Americans are facing. And that can leave one feeling quite concerned about the future.
