Kamala Harris promotes Biden’s economic record in Washington, August 2022

In August 2022, Kamala Harris appeared at a retail village in Washington to promote the economic achievements of the Biden administration, coining the term 'Bidenomics.' This statement has since been leveraged by the Trump campaign, which has spent over $38 million to highlight her comments in advertisements aimed at addressing voter concerns about the economy. The ads juxtapose Harris's optimistic statements about Bidenomics with critical news coverage of inflation, suggesting a disconnect between her message and the economic reality faced by many voters. The Trump campaign's strategy involves a two-pronged approach, linking Harris to issues of immigration and crime while simultaneously attacking the economic record of the Biden-Harris administration. This tactic aims to exploit the advantage Trump holds in voter perceptions regarding economic issues, particularly inflation and recession fears, despite signs of slowing inflation and ongoing job growth. Harris's campaign has also invested over $10 million in ads promoting her vision for an 'opportunity economy,' emphasizing lower prices and taxes, and contrasting her approach with that of Trump. She advocates for building affordable housing and lowering prescription drug costs, attempting to connect with middle-class families. As the 2024 presidential race unfolds, Harris faces the challenge of balancing her support for the Biden administration's record while also presenting a forward-looking vision to voters. The ongoing scrutiny of her statements reflects the broader political landscape where every public appearance is closely monitored for potential campaign fodder.