U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has pledged to encourage greater investments in domestic manufacturing across a variety of sectors if she is elected president in November, to further refine her economic agenda.
Harris responded to Republican nominee Donald Trump’s allegations of advocating for “communist” policies by emphasising a vision for an economy that fosters both business development and the middle class.
Harris stated, at an event hosted by The Economic Club of Pittsburgh, “As president, I will be grounded in my fundamental values of fairness, dignity and opportunity.
“And I promise you, I will be pragmatic in my approach.”
She emphasized the necessity for higher tax rates on large corporations and the wealthiest Americans, asserting they should contribute their fair share.
In her campaign, she also pledged to streamline the permitting process to expedite construction projects in the U.S., remove college degree prerequisites for federal employment, and expand union apprenticeship programs.
In her first significant solo interview with MSNBC, Harris criticized Trump, asserting that he lacks seriousness regarding his tariff proposals and has “consistently been outmanoeuvred by China.”
She stated, “You don’t just throw around the idea of tariffs across the board.
“He’s just not serious about very many of these issues.”
Harris expressed her commitment to fostering a new direction aimed at revitalizing the middle class, criticizing Trump for his lack of focus on their welfare, claiming he prioritizes the interests of himself and those similar to him.
“My perspective on the economy is when you grow the middle class, America’s economy is stronger, and there’s empirical evidence to prove my point correct,” she added.
Trump presented his alternative economic vision during a visit to a furniture manufacturer in Mint Hill, North Carolina, just over an hour prior to her speech. He was in favour of a tax rate that was particularly reduced for U.S. manufacturers and committed to enacting tariffs that would be substantial enough to precipitate a “exodus” of auto factory employment from Japan, Germany, and South Korea.
“I’m imposing tariffs on your competition from foreign countries, all these foreign countries that have ripped us off, which stole all of your businesses and all of your jobs years ago,” Trump stated.
This week, both candidates are conducting active campaigns in critical battleground states, where they are promoting their distinct perspectives on the economy, a critical issue that voters have identified as a top priority when casting their ballots.
Frances Ibiefo
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