Overview: Vice President Kamala Harris has finally added policy proposals to her campaign website, 50 days after President Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed her. The policies are divided into key areas, including the economy, fundamental freedoms, safety and justice, and national security. However, much of the content focuses on attacks against former President Donald Trump, with claims that his policies will harm the middle class and undermine democracy.
Why It Matters: This shift reveals the importance of clear policy positions and the potential consequences of economic and national security policies, which will significantly impact the direction of the country.
Who It Impacts: This impacts all American citizens, particularly middle-class families and businesses, as they are affected by tax policies, economic strategies, and national security decisions.
Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign website has finally introduced policy proposals nearly two months after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed her presidential run. The new content is broken down into four main sections: building an “Opportunity Economy,” safeguarding freedoms, ensuring safety and justice, and keeping America secure. Despite the detailed nature of these policies, much of the content shifts focus to attack her likely Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump.
The website promises tax cuts for the middle class, ensuring that no one earning under $400,000 will face tax hikes. Harris’s economic platform includes rolling back Trump’s tax cuts for the wealthy, imposing a billionaire minimum tax, and expanding the Child Tax Credit. The site also proposes a 28% tax rate on long-term capital gains for those earning over $1 million, arguing that this encourages broad-based economic growth. However, these proposals are framed in contrast to Trump’s policies, which Harris claims would “jack up prices” and weaken the middle class.
In her push to outline economic policy, Harris repeatedly attacks Trump’s plans, accusing him of increasing costs for everyday American families. She claims Trump would implement a sales tax on imported goods, raise rents, and add $1,200 annually to the typical mortgage payment. Additionally, Harris warns that Trump’s economic proposals would trigger a recession by mid-2025 and disproportionately benefit the wealthiest Americans. She also links Trump to the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” though Trump’s campaign has distanced itself from the initiative.
One of the central themes on the Harris website is her attack on Trump’s character and approach to governance. The section dedicated to “safety and justice” accuses Trump of being a “convicted criminal” who prioritizes his own interests over national security. Harris claims that Trump would bring the Department of Justice and FBI under his direct control to go after political opponents, consolidating power and ruling as a dictator. These sharp criticisms reflect the deep division in the campaign rhetoric, particularly as Harris seeks to distance herself from the Biden administration while simultaneously defending its policies.
Harris’s foreign policy section emphasizes her experience as a diplomat, stating that she has been a tireless advocate on the world stage. The site highlights her commitment to Israel’s right to self-defense and her efforts to end the war in Gaza. Despite her earlier boycott of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address to Congress, Harris assures voters that she will continue to support Israel and work to secure a ceasefire deal that benefits both Israel and the Palestinian people. The section closes with promises of continued diplomatic engagement, especially concerning U.S. interests in the Middle East.
The addition of policy proposals to Harris’s campaign website signals an attempt to address criticism over the lack of clarity in her platform. However, the focus on attacking Trump rather than presenting new, bold ideas could hinder her ability to position herself as a true change candidate. Voters are looking for clear, actionable solutions to current challenges, but Harris’s emphasis on Trump’s failures may not be enough to inspire confidence in her leadership. As the race heats up, Harris will need to provide more than just opposition to Trump—she must convince Americans that she offers a better vision for the country’s future.
