In a strategic move to appeal to service workers in Nevada, Vice President Kamala Harris has pledged to eliminate taxes on tips, mirroring a position previously taken by her rival, Donald Trump. This promise came during a campaign stop in Las Vegas on August 10, 2024, as part of a multi-state tour of crucial battleground regions.
Harris, alongside her running mate Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, concluded their tour in Nevada, a state that could play a decisive role in the upcoming November 5 presidential election. The Silver State, which joined the Union in 1864 as the 36th state, has become increasingly important in modern presidential campaigns.
"It is my promise to everyone here when I am president we will continue to fight for working families, including to raise the minimum wage and eliminate taxes on tips for service and hospitality workers."
This stance on tip taxation aligns with the position Trump articulated at a Las Vegas rally in June 2024. The tipped minimum wage, introduced in 1966, has long been a point of contention in labor discussions.
Harris also committed to addressing broader economic concerns, vowing to combat corporate price-gouging and work towards reducing consumer prices, including pharmaceutical costs. These promises come against the backdrop of the Federal Reserve's dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability, established in 1977.
The Vice President's campaign has gained momentum since President Biden stepped aside as the Democratic Party's standard-bearer in early July 2024. Recent polls show Harris leading Trump by four percentage points in key swing states such as Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Nationally, an Ipsos poll published on August 8, 2024, indicated a five-point lead for Harris.
The concept of "swing states" and "battleground states," which gained prominence in the 1960s and 2000 respectively, has become central to modern presidential campaigns. These states, with their potential to shift between parties, play a crucial role in the Electoral College system established by the Constitution in 1787.
Harris's campaign has seen significant fundraising success and large rally attendances. In Las Vegas, despite scorching temperatures reaching 109°F (43°C), over 12,000 supporters gathered to hear her speak. This impressive turnout, however, falls short of the city's record temperature of 117°F (47°C) set in 2021.
As the race intensifies, Harris continues to differentiate herself from Trump on key issues. Notably, she emphasized her commitment to maintaining the independence of the Federal Reserve, an institution established in 1913, in contrast to Trump's recent statements suggesting presidential influence over the central bank.
With the election approaching, both candidates are intensifying their efforts to secure support in these crucial battleground states, each hoping to become the next occupant of the White House and the 46th individual to serve as President of the United States.