In a highly anticipated economic address delivered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Vice President Kamala Harris took aim at her rival for the White House, former President Donald Trump. The speech, delivered in a key battleground state, was part of Harris’s effort to convince voters that she’s the better candidate to tackle the rising cost of living that is weighing heavily on Americans.
Harris focused her message on three pillars: lowering costs, investing in American innovation and entrepreneurship, and outcompeting global rivals in future industries. She emphasized the need to address the persistent inflation that has plagued President Biden’s administration, a topic that Trump has repeatedly used to attack the Democrats. While acknowledging some recent economic progress, Harris stated, “The cost of living in America is just too high.”
Harris directly challenged Trump’s economic record, claiming that he has no intention of lowering costs for Americans and has hampered small businesses, which she considers the backbone of the economy. She specifically criticized Trump’s trade policies, stating that he “talked a big game” about the trade deficit with China, but ultimately failed to deliver meaningful results.
In a fiery counterpunch, Harris accused Trump of prioritizing the wealthy and big businesses while neglecting the needs of ordinary Americans. She said, “For Donald Trump, our economy works best if it works for those who own the big skyscrapers, not those who actually build them, not those who wire them, not those who mop the floors.”
The Trump campaign quickly responded with a statement titled “Kamala’s Speech Full of Lies.” They highlighted Harris’s call for a change in leadership, noting that she has had three and a half years in the Biden administration to make her case. The statement went on to criticize the Biden administration’s economic record, pointing to declining personal savings, rising credit card debt, and low small business optimism as evidence of economic hardship. The Trump campaign concluded by declaring that only Trump can “Make America WEALTHY Again.”
Harris countered Trump’s attacks by asserting her commitment to capitalism and free markets. She highlighted her proposed tax incentives aimed at fostering next-generation industries essential for both economic growth and national security. She also promoted her plan to provide $25,000 in assistance for first-time homebuyers and a $6,000 tax credit for families with newborns, arguing that these measures would alleviate the burden on families and empower them to pursue their economic aspirations.
With less than six weeks before the election, polls consistently show that the economy is the top issue for voters. While the nation has recovered from the pandemic-induced recession, high prices remain a significant concern. While Trump continues to hold an edge on the economy, the margin between him and Harris varies depending on the poll.
The race for the White House is tightening, and the economic debate between Harris and Trump is likely to dominate the remaining weeks before Election Day.
