In a bid to strengthen her appeal to the middle class ahead of the November 5 presidential election, US Vice President Kamala Harris is set to propose new incentives aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing during a speech at the Economic Club of Pittsburgh.
This announcement comes on the heels of remarks made by her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, who declared his intention to "take" factory jobs from other countries if elected.
Harris is expected to outline a series of policies designed to enhance her platform, which already includes homebuyer subsidies, small business tax breaks, and a federal ban on grocery price gouging.
The Vice President’s focus on the middle class is particularly significant in light of recent polling, which shows that economic concerns remain paramount for voters as Election Day approaches.
The speech, scheduled for 3:15 PM ET (1915 GMT), will see Harris emphasize her commitment to collaborating with the private sector and entrepreneurs to foster middle-class growth.
A senior campaign official, who requested anonymity, indicated that the Vice President's strategy reflects a clear contrast to Trump’s approach. While Trump advocates for broad tariffs on foreign-made goods—a proposal that enjoys marginal voter support—Harris is championing incentives for U.S.-based businesses.
Recent data from a Reuters/Ipsos poll suggests that Harris has been successful in narrowing the economic advantage previously held by Trump. The Republican candidate's lead on economic issues has shrunk from 11 points in late July to just 2 points now, according to the poll published on Tuesday.
Harris has been keen to position herself as the candidate who truly represents the interests of the American middle class, drawing attention to her own upbringing in contrast to Trump’s wealth.
“For Donald Trump, our economy works best if it works for those who own the big skyscrapers. Not those who build them. Not those who wire them. Not those who mop the floors,” she is expected to declare in her address.
