Vice President Kamala Harris’s upcoming joint campaign appearance with President Biden in Pittsburgh will focus on the importance of keeping U.S. Steel domestically owned and operated. This stance aligns with Biden’s previous opposition to the company’s planned sale to Nippon Steel of Japan. Harris is expected to emphasize her commitment to supporting American steel workers and maintaining U.S. Steel as an American company. The agreement for Nippon to buy U.S. Steel was reached in December, with the merger expected to be completed in the second half of 2024 pending regulatory approvals.
Harris’s stance on the sale of U.S. Steel marks a significant policy position for the vice president, who has offered few specific policy proposals since Biden endorsed her as his running mate. She has focused on broad economic visions and fostering a new way forward while remaining loyal to Biden’s policies. In the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania, where Harris and Biden will attend Pittsburgh’s Labor Day parade, volunteers have rallied behind the Democratic ticket. Harris has positioned herself as a departure from divisive politics, seeking to move beyond the Biden era while championing issues like prescription drug costs, healthcare, economic growth, and affordable childcare.
Harris’s campaign events have drawn larger crowds compared to Biden’s, reflecting her energized approach to key issues like the opportunity economy and housing affordability. She has called for measures to lower grocery costs and support home ownership, signaling a proactive stance on economic issues. While Harris and Biden have made joint appearances and worked together in official capacities, Harris has also maintained her own policy agenda and platform. The upcoming campaign event in Pittsburgh is part of a battleground state strategy as the election approaches.
In the lead-up to the presidential election, Harris has emphasized her commitment to supporting American workers, particularly in industries like steel production. Her focus on keeping U.S. Steel domestically owned underscores her dedication to preserving American jobs and industries. By aligning with Biden’s previous stance on this issue, Harris aims to demonstrate unity within the Democratic ticket and showcase a shared vision for economic growth and prosperity. As the campaign intensifies in swing states like Pennsylvania, Harris’s emphasis on key policy positions like the future of U.S. Steel will play a crucial role in shaping voter perceptions and decisions.
