Kamala Harris Focuses on Policy, Not Identity, in 2024 Presidential Campaign
Vice President Kamala Harris continues to face questions about the historic nature of her candidacy as the first Black woman and South Asian American to top a major party’s presidential ticket. However, Harris has chosen not to engage directly with these questions, opting instead to focus on her qualifications and policies.
A Strategic Approach to Identity
In her first major interview since securing the Democratic nomination, Harris was asked about former President Donald Trump’s controversial comment suggesting she had only recently “turned Black.” Harris brushed off the remark, responding, “Same old, tired playbook. Next question, please.” When asked about a viral photo of her grandniece watching her acceptance speech, Harris redirected the conversation to her policy goals, stating, “I am running because I believe that I am the best person to do this job at this moment, for all Americans, regardless of race and gender.”
This approach reflects a deliberate strategy by Harris and her campaign team to avoid getting bogged down in discussions of identity politics. Instead, they aim to broaden her appeal to a wider range of voters, particularly those who may not prioritize race and gender in their decision-making.
A Shift from Past Campaigns
Harris’ strategy marks a departure from the approach taken by other groundbreaking candidates. In 2016, Hillary Clinton leaned heavily into her identity as a woman, framing her candidacy as a historic milestone. Harris, however, appears to be taking a different route. Donna Brazile, a veteran Democratic operative, highlighted this shift, saying, “Barack [Obama] broke the mold when he became the Democratic nominee, and he broke the mold when he became president. Hillary Clinton broke the mold when she became the Democratic nominee. We’ve had these conversations before.”
Balancing Identity and Policy
While Harris does not shy away from the cultural significance of her candidacy, she rarely addresses it explicitly. Instead, she emphasizes her qualifications and the policies she believes will benefit all Americans. This approach has resonated with many supporters, particularly Black women, who appreciate Harris’ ability to focus on the bigger picture.
LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, pointed out the double standard often faced by women and people of color in politics: “Nobody asks a white man that question. What she is doing is responding to, ‘I am not going to be boxed in a way that I have to defend my humanity and my identity by anybody.’ That is a powerful stance.”
Trump’s Challenge in Defining Harris
The Trump campaign has struggled to find an effective way to counter Harris. While some of their attacks have focused on her race and gender, Harris has largely avoided engaging with them, leaving her opponents grasping for a clear strategy.
Kimberly Peeler-Allen, co-founder of Higher Heights, noted that Republicans are still trying to figure out how to deal with a candidate who doesn’t fit into the traditional molds of identity politics. “Without naming or having to say, ‘I am a woman of color, I am the daughter of immigrants, I am a woman,’ [Harris] is able to draw on all of that as she is navigating this race,” Peeler-Allen said.
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