Kamala Harris freshens up message on US economy as Trump, Republicans go after her on inflation

All of a sudden it’s Kamala Harris’ economy – a major opportunity as well as a possible risk for the likely Democratic presidential nominee.

Shortly after US President Joe Biden left the race a week ago, Vice-President Harris began to craft her own narrative around the economy by putting an emphasis on ending child poverty, promoting labour unions, reducing the costs of health and childcare, and protecting “dignity” in retirement.

Not once in speeches in Wisconsin, Indiana or Texas did she mention the word “inflation” – the overwhelming economic challenge that has dogged Biden’s administration and forced him to consistently acknowledge voters’ pain as they cope with higher grocery, petrol, housing, and auto expenses.

Harris is putting a bigger priority on what she says could be ahead.

“In our vision of the future, we see a place where every person has the opportunity not just to get by but to get ahead – a future where no child has to grow up in poverty, where every senior can retire with dignity, and where every worker has the freedom to join a union,” Harris told the American Federation of Teachers on Thursday.