Kamala Harris delivered a significant speech in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, directly appealing to businesses by describing herself as a “capitalist” who supports “free and fair markets” and advocates for an “active partnership between government and the private sector.”
In what was her most detailed discussion on the US economy to date, the Democratic presidential candidate aimed to create a clear distinction between herself and her Republican opponent, Donald Trump. Speaking at the Economic Club of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, a pivotal battleground state, Harris positioned herself as an advocate for the working and middle classes, asserting that Trump is primarily concerned with the wealthiest Americans.
“He has no intention to grow our middle class. He’s only interested in making life better for himself and people like himself, the wealthiest of America,” Harris stated. She further criticized Trump by saying the economy under his leadership benefits those who own large skyscrapers rather than those who build, wire, or clean them.
Later, in an interview with MSNBC, Harris criticized Trump’s trade policies. The Biden administration has largely maintained Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports and added additional ones. However, Trump has proposed extensive tariffs on all imports, up to 20 percent, as part of a more aggressive trade policy. Harris dismissed Trump’s “across the board” tariffs as “just not very serious.”
Trump and his allies have attempted to characterize Harris as a California liberal and Marxist, often referring to her as “comrade Kamala.” Harris refuted this characterization, emphasizing that while she is a “devout public servant” and “strong supporter of workers and unions,” she understands the “limitations of government” and believes in engaging with private-sector job creators.
“I believe that most companies are working hard to do the right thing by their customers and the employees who depend on them, and we must work with them to grow our economy,” Harris said. She argued that an active partnership between government and the private sector is crucial to unlocking economic opportunity.
With just six weeks remaining until November’s presidential election, this marked Harris’s fourth visit to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—arguably the most critical state in her bid to succeed Joe Biden as president—since the launch of her campaign in July.
Polls indicate a close race between Harris and Trump both nationally and in key swing states. With the economy being the top issue for voters heading into November, Harris faces increasing pressure to detail her economic agenda and differentiate it from Biden’s approach.
Harris’s speech followed Trump’s presentation of his plan for a “new American industrialism,” warning trade partners that he would lure jobs and manufacturers back to the US. Trump’s economic strategy includes protectionist policies, tax cuts, and high tariffs.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, responded to Harris’s speech, saying the vice-president was “right” that it was “time to turn the page.” Leavitt criticized Harris, citing economic struggles faced by Americans and arguing that only Trump could “Make America WEALTHY Again.”
Harris’s economic proposals include raising the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 28 percent, boosting housing supply, and providing more tax breaks for families with children and first-time homebuyers. Her plans to crack down on price-gouging in the grocery sector have drawn criticism from economists who warn of potential market distortions.
The Biden-Harris administration has faced political challenges concerning the economy, especially after inflation hit multi-decade highs in 2022. Only 17 percent of registered voters recently polled by Financial Times-University of Michigan Ross School of Business reported being financially better off since Biden assumed office.
However, recent months have seen cooling inflation and a strong labor market, leading to an increase in voter confidence in Harris’s economic handling. According to the latest FT-Michigan Ross poll, 44 percent of voters trust Harris on economic issues, compared to 42 percent who trust Trump.
Additional reporting by James Politi in Washington.
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