As Vice President Kamala Harris prepares for the Democratic National Convention, strategists emphasize the importance of striking the right balance between showcasing her achievements and focusing on the future.
The convention, running from Monday to Thursday in Chicago, will be a crucial moment for Harris as she accepts the Democratic nomination for the presidency. Democratic strategists see this as a key opportunity to harness momentum and solidify her standing with voters ahead of the general election.
Harris has seen growing support since President Biden suspended his re-election campaign, and strategists encourage her to build on this momentum. Democrats believe she has successfully launched her campaign by raising significant funds and choosing a popular running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
The goal for the convention is to keep the energy high, maintaining the voter enthusiasm that has been building over recent weeks, according to Democratic strategist Brad Bannon.
Max Burns, another Democratic strategist, shares that polling data reflects a positive reception to Harris’ candidacy, with growing voter enthusiasm. Burns expects the convention to be more celebratory than conventional political events. Harris’ choice of Walz as a running mate has been well-received, contributing to the campaign’s positive trajectory and anticipation for the convention.
However, some Democrats, like strategist Kaivan Shroff, stress that while it is important to highlight the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration, the campaign must also look forward. Shroff suggests that Harris and her team must focus on future policies and how they will impact voters, ensuring a balance between past successes and future promises.
Harris’ approach to economic policy, specifically her recently introduced a plan to combat price gouging, signifies a more aggressive tone than President Biden’s campaign. Bannon anticipates that Harris will continue this more assertive strategy, distinguishing her candidacy with a stronger economic focus and a tone that contrasts with Biden’s calmer influence, which characterized his own presidency.