The Democratic National Convention in Chicago provided Kamala Harris with an opportunity to present herself to the party and the nation. Following Joe Biden's unexpected exit from the race, Harris's supporters positioned her as a unifying figure capable of challenging Donald Trump.
Harris's Thursday night address met the standard expectations of a convention speech. She outlined policy priorities, offered catchy phrases, and criticized her opponent. However, for a candidate who entered the race just a month ago, with less than 11 weeks until the election, Harris's approach was notably cautious.
"Our nation with this election has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past."
While promising a "new way forward," Harris's ideas appeared to be a repackaged version of Biden's previous campaign. Her emphasis on the middle class and plans for an "opportunity economy" echoed Biden's 2020 messaging to blue-collar voters.
The most assertive part of Harris's speech focused on foreign policy, offering support for Ukraine and a balanced approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict. However, her domestic policy proposals lacked specificity, relying instead on general statements designed to energize party delegates.
Barack and Michelle Obama's earlier speeches at the convention set a high bar, charting a course for change that Harris was expected to build upon. In comparison, Harris's address felt somewhat underwhelming, failing to fully capitalize on the opportunity to unveil a distinct strategy for the upcoming election.
As the first woman, African American, and Asian American to serve as Vice President, Harris has a unique background that could resonate with voters. Born to immigrant parents from Jamaica and India, she has risen through the ranks of California politics, serving as Attorney General and U.S. Senator before joining the national ticket.
Despite her groundbreaking achievements, Harris's convention speech did little to differentiate her from her predecessor or clearly define her vision for the country. While she touched on key Democratic issues such as economic redistribution, gun control, and abortion rights, these positions are standard for any Democratic nominee.
The convention's portrayal of Harris as a continuity candidate, advocating for change without specifying how her approach would differ from Biden's, left many questions unanswered. As the election approaches, voters may be looking for a clearer understanding of what Harris uniquely brings to the table.
In concluding her speech, Harris shared advice from her mother: "Never let anyone tell you who you are; show them who you are." As the convention came to a close, it remained unclear whether Harris had fully embraced this wisdom in presenting herself to the American people.