Harris rally in Raleigh may serve as a preview of her policy agenda at DNC, political expert says

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RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Much is on the line for Democrats next Monday as they kick off the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. What can be expected and what does the Harris-Walz campaign need to do? Voters will likely get a preview of that Friday in Raleigh.

In the weeks since Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee for president, a surge in fundraising and energy have followed. Political observers anticipate a much different national convention than what may have happened if President Joe Biden remained in the race.

“A lot of people are calling it the vibe effect,” said Michael Bitzer, professor of politics and history at Catawba College. “I think that there is much more enthusiasm, much more interest, much more passion on the Democratic side. That’s what you want going into your national convention.”

The headliners for that convention have since been announced. Monday, Biden will give a handoff to his vice president. Tuesday night, former president Barack Obama will take the stage. Wednesday, former president Bill Clinton will introduce Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the Democratic vice presidential nominee. On Thursday, Harris will accept the Democratic nomination for president.

So far, the Harris-Walz campaign has offered few specifics on its policy agenda, but Harris’ stop in Raleigh Friday may give the nation a preview of it. Her campaign says the speech will focus on her plan to lower costs for middle-class families and take on corporate price gouging.

Bitzer expects that will be further laid out in Harris’ DNC acceptance speech. “Whether it’s economics, healthcare, or national security, I think we will get the core of what she will be holding as policy initiatives,” he said.

Harris has not given a news conference with reporters who are allowed to ask questions since the kickoff of her presidential campaign. Bitzer thinks that will change after the convention. “Certainly journalists are going to want to press her on particular issues and particular stances,” he said. “She’ll probably have to hold some kind of press gaggle at some point or do a one-on-one major interview in some regard.”

Bitzer also said Republicans next week will be looking for opportunities. “They’ll be focused on what they can use as an attack,” he said. “I think the flip-flop mentality that we’ve often seen in campaigns is a normal dynamic of any general campaign. With the highlight that the Democrats will have, the Republicans need to break in some way, shape, or form next week to really start a mounded attack for the general campaign.”

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Russ Bowen

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