Harris Pitches Small Business Relief in New Hampshire Pre-Debate Tour

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to visit New Hampshire on September 11, 2024, as part of her campaign strategy to promote the administration's economic agenda. The visit, occurring just days before her crucial debate with Donald Trump, focuses on small-business relief in a state that has consistently supported Democrats in recent presidential elections.

Harris's itinerary includes a stop at Throwback Brewery in North Hampton, a local establishment that has benefited from President Joe Biden's pandemic-era economic policies. This visit serves to underscore the administration's commitment to small-business growth and to outline future plans for supporting entrepreneurs.

New Hampshire, known as "The Granite State," has a unique political landscape. Despite its relatively small size, it plays a significant role in national politics, particularly due to its traditionally first-in-the-nation primary. The state's motto, "Live Free or Die," reflects its independent spirit, which is further evidenced by its lack of general sales tax or personal income tax.

Harris's campaign is making efforts to reach a broad spectrum of voters, including those who may have supported other candidates in the past. This strategy is particularly relevant in New Hampshire, where former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley secured 43% of the vote in her bid against Trump.

The Vice President is expected to announce a substantial increase in tax benefits for small businesses during her visit. The proposal includes expanding the current $5,000 deduction for start-up firms to $50,000, a tenfold increase. This forms part of a broader initiative dubbed the "Opportunity Economy," which aims to stimulate entrepreneurship and economic growth.

"Our campaign is reaching voters of all political stripes — including Nikki Haley voters who are turned off by Trump's extremism."

Additional proposals in Harris's economic plan include creating a new standard deduction for small firms, reducing barriers for occupational licenses, and providing incentives for state and local governments to facilitate start-up formation. The administration aims to spur 25 million new business applications over four years, building on the record 19 million applications since Biden took office in January 2021.

The Trump campaign has responded to Harris's New Hampshire visit with criticism, suggesting it indicates struggles in the state due to the administration's decision to bypass its primary in favor of South Carolina. Trump has also highlighted economic concerns in New Hampshire, including high living costs and energy bills.

As the September 17 debate approaches, economic issues are expected to take center stage. Both campaigns are working to position themselves as the better choice for American prosperity, with Harris focusing on small business support and Trump emphasizing his record on economic growth and inflation control.

New Hampshire's rich political history and unique governmental structures, including its Executive Council system and town meeting tradition, provide an intriguing backdrop for this campaign stop. As one of the original 13 colonies and the 9th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, New Hampshire continues to play a vital role in shaping national political discourse.