Harris to Target Corporate Greed in First Major Policy Speech as Candidate

Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate and current Vice President, is set to deliver her first major policy speech since entering the race. The address, scheduled for August 16, 2024, in Raleigh, North Carolina, will focus on economic issues, particularly targeting corporate price gouging and proposing measures to reduce costs for middle-class families.

This event marks a significant moment in Harris's campaign, highlighting the Democrats' ambition to win North Carolina, a state that has predominantly voted Republican in recent presidential elections. North Carolina, known as the "Tar Heel State," has only supported the Democratic candidate twice in the last 50 years, making it a challenging but potentially rewarding target for the party.

Harris's decision to concentrate on economic matters reflects the ongoing concerns of American voters. The speech is expected to address issues such as:

• Rising costs of housing
• High prices of medications
• Increasing grocery expenses
• Fluctuating gasoline prices

The Vice President's approach to these economic challenges is rooted in her experience as California's Attorney General from 2011 to 2016. During her tenure, Harris actively pursued cases against pharmaceutical companies, oil corporations, and other industries accused of exploiting consumers.

"Harris knows costs are too high and will make tackling inflation a 'Day One' priority."

This focus on corporate accountability presents a stark contrast to the economic philosophy of her Republican opponent, Donald Trump. While Trump advocates for deregulation as a means to stimulate growth and reduce costs, Harris is expected to propose more direct interventions to combat what she perceives as corporate greed.

The speech comes at a time when the Harris campaign has seen a surge in enthusiasm and financial support. Recent polls indicate a favorable trend for the Democratic ticket, with an Ipsos survey showing Harris leading Trump by five percentage points nationally.

As the November 5, 2024, election approaches, Harris's economic platform will be closely scrutinized. Voters will be particularly interested in how her policies might address issues such as:

• The 25% increase in food prices observed between 2019 and 2023
• The practice of "shrinkflation," where product sizes decrease while prices remain stable
• Strategies to maintain the Federal Reserve's target inflation rate of 2%

Harris's campaign is strategically positioning her as a champion for the middle class, typically defined as households with incomes between two-thirds and double the median American household income. This approach aims to resonate with a broad swath of voters across potential swing states.

As the first woman, first Black person, and first individual of South Asian descent to be elected Vice President, Harris brings a unique perspective to the race. Her role as the current Vice President, which includes being President of the Senate with tie-breaking vote capabilities, has provided her with valuable experience in navigating complex political landscapes.

With less than three months until Election Day, Harris's Raleigh speech is poised to set the tone for the final stretch of the campaign. As voters weigh their options in the Electoral College system, the candidates' economic visions will likely play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this closely watched presidential race.