Vice President Harris Kicks Off 2024 Presidential Campaign with Promises of Change
As the Democratic National Convention commences, anticipation builds around Vice President Harris, who formally launched her presidential campaign on July 21, 2024. Her campaign is positioned as a dynamic shift in direction, with a focus on energizing the party and addressing key issues impacting Americans.
Historically, presidential nominees outline their policy priorities well in advance of national conventions; however, Harris’s campaign is marked by an initial lack of detailed platforms. Her campaign speeches emphasize the excitement surrounding her candidacy, though they primarily revisit proposals from President Biden that had failed to pass through Congress.
In the lead-up to the convention, Harris has begun to outline her vision, emphasizing several critical areas of focus:
The Economy
In her first major policy address, Harris tackled the rising costs of living, including housing, groceries, healthcare, and child-rearing. Key proposals include:
- Tax incentives for homebuilders aimed at creating 3 million new housing units within four years.
- Down-payment assistance up to $25,000 for first-time homebuyers.
- Financial aid of $6,000 for families welcoming new babies.
- An expanded child tax credit providing up to $3,600 per child annually.
- A ban on price gouging in the food sector, specifically targeting reductions in meat prices.
- Collaboration with states to prevent medical debt from affecting credit scores.
Reproductive Rights
Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, Harris has emerged as a strong proponent for restoring abortion rights. She is committed to advocating for legislation that would codify protections established under Roe.
Healthcare
Harris supports ongoing efforts to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for Medicare recipients and has expressed her intent to expedite these discussions with pharmaceutical companies. She aims to cap insulin prices at $35 for all individuals and limit out-of-pocket expenses for prescriptions to $2,000 annually.
Immigration
The Vice President backs comprehensive immigration reform that would include a pathway to citizenship, although specific details remain scarce. Her campaign promises improvements in border security, including the hiring of additional border agents and leveraging technology to combat the trafficking of fentanyl.
Domestic Policy Initiatives
Harris’s campaign pledges to prioritize legislation such as the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, both of which have faced significant hurdles in Congress. She also aims to tackle gun violence by advocating for universal background checks, red flag laws, and a ban on assault weapons.
Foreign Policy Stance
While Harris has yet to deliver a comprehensive foreign policy speech, her recent comments following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu highlight her commitment to addressing humanitarian impacts in Gaza while reaffirming the U.S. support for Israel’s right to self-defense.
As Harris prepares for the upcoming Democratic National Convention, her campaign is expected to evolve, offering deeper insights into her policy positions and the overall direction for the nation.
