As President Joe Biden dropped his bid for reelection, focusing on the dark and ominous consequences of a second term for Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris is now carrying the torch for the Democratic Party. Harris is emphasizing personal freedoms as a central theme of their campaign, rather than solely focusing on the threat to American democracy posed by Trump. This shift was evident at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where the theme of “fighting for our freedoms” was highlighted, and Harris reiterated the importance of freedoms such as safety from gun violence, the freedom to love openly, clean air and water, and the freedom to vote.
Democrats are strategically reclaiming terms like freedom and liberty, which have traditionally been associated with the Republican Party, to boost morale and evoke a positive vision for the country. By using phrases that appeal to personal aspirations and ideals of American society, Democrats hope to broaden their message and resonate with voters. While Republicans continue to challenge the Democrats’ narrative and argue that their policies do not support true patriotism, Harris remains focused on issues like abortion access, reproductive rights, and freedom from gun violence as key talking points in her campaign.
Although the threat to American democracy was a major focus of Biden’s messaging, Harris is shifting the narrative towards a more optimistic view of the future. By highlighting the importance of personal freedoms and individual rights, Harris aims to engage voters in a hopeful vision for the country and emphasize the stakes of the upcoming election. As the race intensifies, Democrats and Republicans are likely to continue their contrasting strategies, with Republicans focusing on darkness and danger while Democrats emphasize the future and freedoms.
The Democratic National Convention underscored the importance of protecting American democratic institutions while also highlighting the theme of freedom. Speakers at the convention addressed the need to safeguard democracy and preserve American values in the face of threats like the Capitol riot. While the specter of potential dangers looms in the background, Harris and other Democratic leaders are keen on articulating a message of hope and optimism, tying the election stakes to the values and aspirations of American citizens.
As the campaign enters its final months, Harris intends to maintain a focus on the future and personal freedoms, appealing to the optimism and ideals that often resonate with voters. By connecting the election to tangible issues that impact individuals, Harris hopes to rally support and convey the importance of the election in a positive light. With the battle for messaging and narratives intensifying, Democrats continue to push their vision of a brighter future while Republicans challenge their claims and emphasize different priorities.
