The Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, outlined her economic vision during her first one-on-one cable TV interview Wednesday. Harris and former President Donald Trump, the GOP nominee, are presenting dueling economic agendas as they compete in a close race for the Oval Office.
“I really love and am so energized by what I know to be the spirit and character of the American people — we have ambition, we have aspirations, we have dreams, we can see what’s possible, we have an incredible work ethic, but not everyone has the access to the opportunities that allow them to achieve those things, but we don’t lack for those things, but not everyone gets handed stuff on a silver platter,” Harris told MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle.
Harris’ vision for an “opportunity economy” focuses on enabling all Americans to achieve their dreams, particularly ensuring middle-class families can get ahead through hard work. Earlier Wednesday, she promoted her economic plans in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, including a tax cut for over 100 million Americans and $6,000 in tax relief for new parents in their child’s first year. Harris emphasized the need for financial assistance to help new parents with essential purchases like cribs and car seats.
Her economic agenda also proposes up to $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and a $50,000 tax break for first-time small businesses. Harris criticized Trump, stating he’s “just not very serious about how he thinks about some of these issues.”
The Trump campaign responded to her MSNBC appearance, claiming it reminded viewers why she rarely does interviews and asserting she has no plans to offer Americans. Trump pitched his economic plan in Georgia, which includes imposing tariffs on exported goods and a 100% tariff on cars imported from Mexico.
Harris to visit southern border
Harris also addressed immigration, acknowledging the system is broken and needs fixing. She announced plans to revive a bipartisan border security bill that failed due to Trump. Harris is set to visit the U.S.-Mexico border in Douglas, Arizona, on Friday, facing criticism from both sides for her immigration efforts.
In a Truth Social post, Trump labeled Harris a “border czar,” accusing her of allowing millions to enter the country, including terrorists. President Joe Biden tapped Harris in 2021 to address migration causes in Central America but did not designate her as “border czar.”
What’s next for Harris, Trump campaigns
Harris will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, continuing her efforts to advance U.S. security and prosperity globally. This marks her seventh meeting with Zelenskyy, during which she has helped rally a coalition to support Ukraine.
Trump will deliver remarks in Walker, Michigan, on Friday, followed by a town hall in Warren, Michigan. He is also set to attend the Alabama-Georgia football game on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, as confirmed by the University of Alabama. Harris’ running mate, Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, will attend the Michigan-Minnesota football game in Ann Arbor and campaign, emphasizing the importance of voter registration for the November election.
—
Read More Montana News
