The 2024 presidential race has piqued Americans’ interest primarily due to pressing economic concerns. Over past years, a substantial surge in prices, unabated credit card payments, and a dismal housing market have led to considerable financial stress. Amid this backdrop, there’s anticipation regarding whether the next American president can mitigate the fiscal burden accumulated over the preceding four years.
In the twist of events, Vice President Kamala Harris’ economic strategies were unveiled in a recent talk. Ostensibly, her plans reflect a focus on decreasing costs for average US citizens and she also advocated for Congress to prohibit food corporations from escalating prices excessively. However, the public remains skeptical about the real-world efficacy of these measures.
The Harris campaign has found an ally in Minnesota Governor Walz, who popular amongst the working class and in the Midwest. Walz has supposedly spent the last few years on a mission to tackle everyday expenditures. His economic ‘contributions’ include chalking-out a law assuring paid family and medical leave, and allocating hefty tax credits to Minnesota parents. He has also made efforts to increase affordable housing options.
Despite these efforts, economic worries persist for the Democrats. The runup to their Chicago congregation this week was overshadowed by concerns regarding economic indicators. While inflation certainly relaxed, the unexpected jump in unemployment in July left many startled, further exacerbating the perception that the US is trapped in a recession.
Harris attempted to divert the campaign discourse towards another topic that has garnered considerable support for Democrats recently – abortion. Known to have been a prominent voice for reproductive rights internally since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, Harris underscores this issue unabashedly.
However, her more moderate stance on abortion access once she took charge of the ticket has made Walz’s record on the subject critical to the party’s base. A supporter of reproductive rights, he manifested his stand last year when he signed into law the right to abortion — a move the Harris campaign was quick to highlight post her naming Walz as her running mate.
In March, both Harris and Walz made headlines when they visited a Planned Parenthood health center, marking a first for any vice president or president to step foot at an abortion-providing clinic. This visit, seen by many as a political move, has certainly started conversations about the duo’s intent.
Ahead of the November showdown, Harris is leaving no stone unturned to secure the union vote. Despite the union-friendly approach of the Biden administration, Harris’ promise of ‘more of the same’ in dialogues with union heads and during campaign stops, does pose questions about her originality or potential to provide fresh solutions.
Harris and Walz’s past records are suggestive of a potential tax policy-based finance model for their grand plans, if they manage to get elected. Republicans are rightfully alarmed, given their notorious reputation as tax-and-spend liberals appears to be very plausible in this case. Is it just a rerun of the old ways under a new façade?
Another aspect is the agricultural diversity of Minnesota, the sixth-largest ag-producing state. The presence of Walz, who had a say in the crucial farm bill of 2008, 2014, and 2018 during his six terms in Congress, could be read as an attempt to consolidate rural votes. However, the question is if this move will merely be a numerical addition, or effectively address the real issues farmers face?
Interestingly, Harris appears to be enjoying the privilege of being perceived more favourably than Biden among younger voters, especially concerning her stance on the Israel-Hamas war. There’s a misguided perception that she is a better spokesperson on this matter, despite the reality that previous administrations have repeatedly failed on mediation efforts.
In addition, Walz’s background as a veteran and champion for improved benefits for service members could offer the Harris campaign a way to establish connections with military families. However, one needs to question the viability of these ties in the light of Harris’ overall vision for American national security.
In conclusion, while lip service is abundant in the campaigns, the need of the hour is genuine and effective measures. With widespread apprehensions surrounding the current state of the economy, and skepticism toward established political personas, the American public eagerly waits to see who, if anyone, can bring about real change.
Kamala Harris and Walz: Deceptive Vote Ploys or Genuine Solutions? appeared first on Real News Now.
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