Vice President Kamala Harris is facing the challenge of introducing herself to voters as she enters the final weeks of her three-month campaign for the presidency. With limited time to build a national profile, Harris is focusing on engaging with voters in more intimate settings, such as church services and small theaters. Despite her experience as a prosecutor, attorney general, senator, and vice president, Harris is still relatively unknown to many voters, making it a challenge for her to withstand the rigors of a presidential campaign.
Harris and her team are navigating a shortened campaign timeline by making tough decisions about where to go, what to talk about, and whom to engage with. The campaign has been divided into phases, with the initial focus on securing the nomination and introducing Harris to the public on her own terms. She has also emphasized her governing philosophy, particularly on economic issues, to address concerns from potential voters who don’t fully understand her platform. Throughout the campaign, Harris has balanced her national duties in Washington while trying to showcase her leadership during natural disasters and conflicts overseas.
In recent weeks, Harris has been more candid about the moment Biden dropped out of the race and handed her the reins of the campaign, sharing her reliance on faith and prayer during that crucial time. She has also participated in events in crucial Midwestern states, engaging with undecided voters alongside Liz Cheney, a Republican critic of Trump who has endorsed the Democratic ticket. These dialogues aim to appeal to Republican voters concerned about Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election and the violent riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
As Harris closes out her campaign, she is emphasizing a contrast with Trump, focusing on defending democracy and condemning political chaos. She plans to deliver a speech near the White House, where Trump encouraged the mob on January 6, urging the nation to “turn the page.” Despite the challenges of a truncated campaign, Harris is making every effort to connect with voters and convey her vision for the future. By engaging in conversations with a range of audiences, including Republicans wary of Trump, Harris hopes to build momentum in the final days before the election.
