Harris Reframes Democratic Campaign: Freedom Takes Center Stage

In a strategic shift, Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party's new presidential nominee, has reframed the campaign narrative for the upcoming November 2024 election. Moving away from her predecessor Joe Biden's emphasis on the potential threats to democracy, Harris is now championing a message centered on personal freedoms.

This new approach was prominently displayed at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, marking the city's 11th time hosting the event - more than any other U.S. city. The convention, which has been a party tradition since 1832, saw attendees crafting personalized definitions of freedom on handmade posters, while Beyoncé's "Freedom" anthem resonated through the venue.

Harris articulated her vision in her acceptance speech, stating, "The freedom to live safe from gun violence in our schools, communities and places of worship. The freedom to love who you love openly and with pride. The freedom to breathe clean air, and drink clean water and live free from the pollution that fuels the climate crisis. And the freedom that unlocks all the others: the freedom to vote."

This emphasis on freedom is not merely rhetorical. It represents a concerted effort by Democrats to reclaim terms like "freedom" and "liberty" - concepts that have long been associated with Republican messaging. Lauren Groh-Wargo, CEO of Fair Fight Action, noted, "I think everybody on the Democratic progressive side is hungry and was just ready for that positive vision."

The campaign's focus on personal freedoms allows for a broader discussion of issues, including reproductive rights and gun control. Harris has particularly emphasized abortion access, framing it as the freedom for individuals to make their own healthcare decisions. This stance comes in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion two years ago.

Gun control, often a challenging topic for Democrats on the national stage, is now being presented as "freedom from gun violence." John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, observed, "What was once a political third rail is now being framed as an inalienable right."

While the new messaging strategy aims to present a more positive vision, the campaign hasn't entirely abandoned the narrative of democracy under threat. Speakers at the convention, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger, reminded attendees of the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot and the ongoing need to protect democratic institutions.

As the race enters its final months, the contrasting strategies of the two parties are becoming clear. While Republicans may focus on what Democratic pollster Cornell Belcher describes as "darkness and danger," Harris is positioning her campaign around "the future and freedoms and not going backwards."

This shift in messaging reflects a broader understanding of American ideals. As Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, put it, "This isn't some esoteric democracy kind of thing. It's bringing it down to the ground, showing people how it relates to them and them seeing themselves in it."

"Why didn't she do the things that she is complaining about? She could have done it three-and-a-half years ago. She could do it tonight by leaving the auditorium and going to Washington, D.C., and closing the border."

As the campaign unfolds, it remains to be seen how this new framing of freedom will resonate with voters. However, it's clear that the Democratic Party is making a concerted effort to energize its base and appeal to a broader electorate by reclaiming patriotic themes and presenting a vision of freedom that encompasses a wide range of personal and societal issues.