In the ongoing presidential campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris is taking a distinctive approach, focusing on her policies and experience rather than her groundbreaking identity as the first Black and South Asian woman to hold her current office. This strategy marks a departure from previous campaigns that emphasized breaking barriers.
During a recent visit to Pennsylvania, Harris discussed supporting small businesses, expanding housing, and enhancing the child tax credit. Her campaign emphasizes these policy positions over her personal background, reflecting a deliberate choice to prioritize her vision for the country.
Harris's approach contrasts with that of Hillary Clinton in 2016, who prominently featured her potential to break the glass ceiling. Instead, Harris embodies her identity through her actions and choices, such as speaking at events for historically Black sororities, of which she is a member.
Recent polls indicate growing enthusiasm among Black voters for Harris. An AP-NORC poll conducted in August 2023 found that about half of Black adults would be extremely or very excited if Harris were elected president. This represents a significant increase from earlier polls regarding Joe Biden.
"It's important, not only for Black young girls, but for girls period. If you can see it, you can actually be it."
Civil rights organizations report increased engagement since Harris joined the ticket. The NAACP, founded in 1909, has been focusing on messaging that resonates with Black voters, emphasizing policy solutions and representation.
While some voters appreciate Harris's identity, others prioritize her policies. John Spencer, a white voter from North Carolina, expressed a desire for Harris to focus on her plans for the future rather than her race and gender.
As the campaign progresses, Harris continues to navigate the complex interplay between her identity and her policy positions, aiming to connect with voters on substantive issues while acknowledging the historic nature of her candidacy.