She focused on three familiar issues – but with fresh angles.
Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, used her convention speech to introduce herself to the American public and lay out her case against Donald Trump.
Harris targeted familiar Trump vulnerabilities
His attacks on democracy, his economic policies, and his anti-abortion rights record. But she put a unique spin on each issue.
On democracy
Harris portrayed Trump as an “unserious man” whose actions are driven by self-interest, not the public good. She warned that a second Trump term could be disastrous with the president facing no “guardrails” against abusing his powers.
Economically
Harris rebranded Trump’s proposed 10% tariff on all imports as a “Trump tax” that would raise costs for middle-class families. She contrasted this with her own plan for middle-class tax cuts.
Finally, on abortion
Harris argued that Trump would side with his extreme anti-abortion allies, potentially leading to nationwide bans and restrictions on contraception. This was a strategic move to tie Trump to unpopular policies, even if he hasn’t explicitly endorsed them.
Throughout, Harris sought to portray Trump as fundamentally unfit for the presidency – a leader who serves only himself rather than the American people. This multifaceted attack aims to undermine Trump’s credibility and electability ahead of the 2024 election.