Kamala Harris outlines plans to build an “Opportunity Economy”

RALEIGH, N.C. – The speech was billed as the first major economic address of her presidential campaign, and United States Vice President Kamala Harris did not disappoint. Addressing a small but vocal crowd of supporters at the Scott Northern Wake Campus of Wake Tech Community College in Raleigh, the Vice President outlined a series of economic reforms designed to provide much-needed relief to those struggling through tough economic times.

“This election is about two different visions for our nation,” Harris said as she began her remarks. “One, ours, is focused on the future, and the other is focused on the past. We see that contrast in many ways, including the way we see the economy. We sadly remember the millions of Americans who were out of work. We were facing one of the worst economic crises in history. And today, by virtually every measure, our economy is the strongest in the world.”

It was the first among many enthusiastic applause lines for Harris, who gave a detailed breakdown of the policy areas she plans to address as President of the United States, while also touting the success of the Biden/Harris administration. Harris spoke about the creation of 16 million new jobs, historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy, and the lowering of inflation to less than three percent during the Joe Biden presidency.

“As president, I will be laser focused on creating opportunities for the middle class that advance their economic security, stability and dignity. Together, we will build what I call an ‘opportunity economy.’ Building up the middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency.”

Harris’ plans include several major policy initiatives, which include the following:

·      The elimination of medical debt impacting consumer credit scores

·      A ban on price gouging for groceries

·      A cap on prescription drug costs

·      A $25k subsidy for first time home buyers

·      A child tax credit that would provide $6k per child for families for the first year of a child’s life

Prior to Harris’ speech, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, the Democratic Candidate for Governor, and current Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, each took the stage, both receiving raucous cheers from the audience.

“Vice President Harris is here today to shed a bright light on the urgency of lowering costs and make life more affordable for the people of North Carolina,” said Stein, who is in a tight race with Republican candidate Mark Robinson, the current Lt. Governor.

“I believe that if you work hard, where you come from should never limit how far you can go. To deliver on that promise, we must invest in our people and their future,” Stein added.

Cooper, who describes himself as a longtime friend and supporter of Harris, was on the short list for VP before taking himself out of the running. Harris ultimately choose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.

“I have been out there on the campaign trail and talking to people, and I have that 2008 feeling!” said Cooper, evoking memories of the presidential campaign of Barack Obama, and sparking an additional round of cheers.

“Vice President Harris has ignited a firestorm of excitement as we head into the final stretch of this election and today she has chosen us, North Carolina, to unveil key highlights of her economic agenda.”

Cooper described Harris as tough, focused, and as someone who will fight for the people who need her.

Several times during her speech, the crowd interrupted Harris to chant “We’re not going back! It was a line Harris used herself as she continued to contrast her plans with those of Donald Trump, and what she called his backward-looking agenda of Project 2025. On that point, the audience was in enthusiastic agreement.

“If you want to know who someone cares about,” Harris said in closing, “look who they fight for. Now is the time to chart a new way forward.”

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