Steps Harris Needs to Take to Close the Agreement
The vice president has the opportunity to succeed in a close competition by implementing challenging measures to demonstrate to doubters her dedication to bipartisan governance.
TroibNews 
FLINT, Michigan — Standing in front of a "Vehicle City" sign last week, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a speech that would have made Michigan's auto industry icons like Walter Reuther and Mike Murphy proud. She highlighted the number of auto plants that shut down during Donald Trump's presidency, criticized the Republican ticket for not committing to a GM facility in Lansing, and echoed the spirit of the Art Deco era as she promised to “invest in the industries that built America — like steel, iron and the great American auto industry.”
This speech was meticulously tailored to resonate with the working-class audience of the Midwest.
However, despite her well-rehearsed lines, there was a palpable unease among some voters present at the rally. Many expressed their concerns while still maintaining a sense of optimism about the upcoming election. Maureen Hayes, a Harris supporter and auto supplier, voiced her worries: “We need young guys, I’m worried about young men.” She also acknowledged a silver lining: “I don’t think young men vote as much as women.”
With Election Day less than a month away, the landscape of the race appears complex. If Harris were to win, it could hinge on the Democrats' willingness to pivot away from their unpopular older standard-bearer and the electorate's rejection of a candidate who has controversially rolled back rights such as legal abortion.
The significant gender gap hinted at by Hayes could spell trouble for Trump. Nevertheless, the voters I spoke with on that beautiful fall evening raised valid concerns. The race is extremely tight, and Harris must take steps to assure that her governance will reflect a centrist approach.
Harris and her closest advisors seem to acknowledge this need. Last week, former Rep. Liz Cheney was brought in to join Harris for an event, signaling a strategic move to broaden her appeal. Additionally, her "60 Minutes" interview revealed a shift in her narrative concerning her previous positions, where she emphasized concepts like consensus, common ground, and compromise.
In her nearly four years as vice president, Harris has seemingly grasped that Americans long for cooperation. Nevertheless, she must push further and make decisions that might irritate the party's left wing.
Harris should commit to working with Republicans for the benefit of all Americans and confront the extremes present in both parties. She understands well the frustrations felt by GOP lawmakers who are equally exhausted by the current political climate driven by extremism, especially figures like Donald Trump.
The question of her evolving positions will persist through the election, and she has an opportunity to use this as a platform to combat Trump’s rhetoric while simultaneously winning over voters who may hesitate to support her. This requires some calculated risks, but often, Democratic nominees enjoy a greater degree of flexibility with their base to focus on winning crucial races.
Naming specific Republicans she intends to collaborate with would solidify this approach. Harris could highlight that Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska could emerge as pivotal allies in a closely divided Senate, akin to Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema in previous Congresses.
Additionally, the vice president could explicitly state her intent to work with a Republican-led Senate, should that come to pass, particularly on significant issues such as tax reform when the Trump tax cuts expire.
Harris's adeptness in using imagery is evident, as seen in her visits to significant locations like the Arizona-Mexico border. To further this outreach, she could visit Maine to rally support at the Margaret Chase Smith Library, invoking Smith’s courage to defy demagoguery in her time while aligning with Collins’ legacy.
Similarly, appearances in South Dakota or Texas, possibly at high-profile landmarks, could reinforce her commitment to bipartisanship and garner support from centrist and swing voters.
It's essential for Harris to project reliability and reassurance to those wary of her association with leftist ideals. She has the opportunity to convey that she is neither radical nor restrained by the extremes of her party, which could be critical in reassuring undecided voters.
Moreover, her approach to the tech industry should include accountability measures that resonate with concerned parents across the political spectrum. Voters are looking for someone who can challenge key issues affecting families while still addressing the concerns raised by Trump's comments on work and overtime.
Additionally, there exists an opening for Harris to differentiate herself on foreign policy, particularly regarding the Middle East, by aligning her stances with those of constituents in states like Michigan, wherein the recent dynamics have raised apprehensions among various communities.
The coalition Harris seeks to build remains delicate, and as she shares her prepared statements, her opponent is actively distorting the truth and running a demagogic campaign.
It's crucial for her to recognize that some voters who claim indecision may be masking deeper discomforts related to her identity or political stance. Hundreds of thousands of voters who oppose Trump require substantiated reassurance that they can trust Harris.
As Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi wisely noted, for Harris to succeed, she must recognize the centrality of governing from the political center because that’s where much of the public sentiment resides.
Ben Johansen contributed to this report.To build that much-needed trust, Harris can harness the momentum generated by her outreach efforts and her nuanced approach to key issues. Engaging with voters personally, hosting town halls, and facilitating conversations about the challenges they face could prove invaluable. By presenting herself as approachable and receptive, she can counteract any apprehension stemming from her identity or progressive policies.
Additionally, Harris’s ability to connect emotionally with diverse voter groups is an asset. She should prioritize developing a narrative that reflects the multifaceted lives of Americans. Speaking authentically about her own experiences as a woman of color and the daughter of immigrants can resonate with those who may feel marginalized or overlooked in the current political landscape.
Moreover, a focus on economic issues that directly impact working families can help bridge gaps. By addressing concerns about job security, wages, and benefits, she can provide a counter-narrative to Trump's often sensationalized claims regarding the economy. Highlighting her commitments to policies that would bolster middle-class stability—such as universal childcare, healthcare access, and job training programs—would further strengthen her appeal.
Harris also has the opportunity to leverage her background as a former attorney general to address law and order issues in a way that acknowledges both the need for effective public safety measures and the calls for police reform. By advocating for community policing initiatives and responsible criminal justice reforms, she can position herself as a candidate keenly aware of the complexities surrounding these topics and committed to finding balanced solutions.
To overcome the potential barriers created by her more progressive stances, Harris could consider forming coalitions that include moderates and conservatives who share similar goals. Joint initiatives with like-minded legislators can demonstrate her commitment to bipartisanship while underscoring a willingness to listen and collaborate across party lines. Taking proactive steps to engage with these groups will further highlight her intention to govern inclusively.
As election day approaches, crafting her messaging to emphasize unity and shared values will be essential. Harris needs to present a vision of a future where partisan divides are bridged through common objectives and community-building efforts. By focusing on what connects rather than what divides, she can rally support not just from loyal Democrats, but also from independents and moderate Republicans who are eager for a more stable political environment.
Finally, taking a firm stance against misinformation and the fearmongering tactics often employed by political opponents is crucial. By clearly articulating the facts surrounding her policies, her political philosophy, and her intentions should she win the presidency, Harris can help dispel unfounded fears that linger among undecided voters. Engaging directly with critics and addressing their concerns head-on could position her as a confident leader unfazed by adversity.
In summary, for Harris to secure a decisive victory in the upcoming election, she must embrace a multifaceted strategy that blends authenticity, bipartisanship, and a commitment to core democratic values. By anchoring her campaign around a message of unity and shared purpose, she can effectively navigate the treacherous waters of this contentious political climate.
If she takes these steps, Harris stands not only to connect with a broad base of voters but also to challenge the prevailing narratives that could undermine her candidacy. Ultimately, the choice before her is to uphold the integrity of her platform while recognizing the diverse perspectives of the electorate. As she forges ahead, the road to the presidency is filled with possibilities, each requiring her to tap into her strengths, build alliances, and articulate a vision that resonates widely.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
This speech was meticulously tailored to resonate with the working-class audience of the Midwest.
However, despite her well-rehearsed lines, there was a palpable unease among some voters present at the rally. Many expressed their concerns while still maintaining a sense of optimism about the upcoming election. Maureen Hayes, a Harris supporter and auto supplier, voiced her worries: “We need young guys, I’m worried about young men.” She also acknowledged a silver lining: “I don’t think young men vote as much as women.”
With Election Day less than a month away, the landscape of the race appears complex. If Harris were to win, it could hinge on the Democrats' willingness to pivot away from their unpopular older standard-bearer and the electorate's rejection of a candidate who has controversially rolled back rights such as legal abortion.
The significant gender gap hinted at by Hayes could spell trouble for Trump. Nevertheless, the voters I spoke with on that beautiful fall evening raised valid concerns. The race is extremely tight, and Harris must take steps to assure that her governance will reflect a centrist approach.
Harris and her closest advisors seem to acknowledge this need. Last week, former Rep. Liz Cheney was brought in to join Harris for an event, signaling a strategic move to broaden her appeal. Additionally, her "60 Minutes" interview revealed a shift in her narrative concerning her previous positions, where she emphasized concepts like consensus, common ground, and compromise.
In her nearly four years as vice president, Harris has seemingly grasped that Americans long for cooperation. Nevertheless, she must push further and make decisions that might irritate the party's left wing.
Harris should commit to working with Republicans for the benefit of all Americans and confront the extremes present in both parties. She understands well the frustrations felt by GOP lawmakers who are equally exhausted by the current political climate driven by extremism, especially figures like Donald Trump.
The question of her evolving positions will persist through the election, and she has an opportunity to use this as a platform to combat Trump’s rhetoric while simultaneously winning over voters who may hesitate to support her. This requires some calculated risks, but often, Democratic nominees enjoy a greater degree of flexibility with their base to focus on winning crucial races.
Naming specific Republicans she intends to collaborate with would solidify this approach. Harris could highlight that Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska could emerge as pivotal allies in a closely divided Senate, akin to Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema in previous Congresses.
Additionally, the vice president could explicitly state her intent to work with a Republican-led Senate, should that come to pass, particularly on significant issues such as tax reform when the Trump tax cuts expire.
Harris's adeptness in using imagery is evident, as seen in her visits to significant locations like the Arizona-Mexico border. To further this outreach, she could visit Maine to rally support at the Margaret Chase Smith Library, invoking Smith’s courage to defy demagoguery in her time while aligning with Collins’ legacy.
Similarly, appearances in South Dakota or Texas, possibly at high-profile landmarks, could reinforce her commitment to bipartisanship and garner support from centrist and swing voters.
It's essential for Harris to project reliability and reassurance to those wary of her association with leftist ideals. She has the opportunity to convey that she is neither radical nor restrained by the extremes of her party, which could be critical in reassuring undecided voters.
Moreover, her approach to the tech industry should include accountability measures that resonate with concerned parents across the political spectrum. Voters are looking for someone who can challenge key issues affecting families while still addressing the concerns raised by Trump's comments on work and overtime.
Additionally, there exists an opening for Harris to differentiate herself on foreign policy, particularly regarding the Middle East, by aligning her stances with those of constituents in states like Michigan, wherein the recent dynamics have raised apprehensions among various communities.
The coalition Harris seeks to build remains delicate, and as she shares her prepared statements, her opponent is actively distorting the truth and running a demagogic campaign.
It's crucial for her to recognize that some voters who claim indecision may be masking deeper discomforts related to her identity or political stance. Hundreds of thousands of voters who oppose Trump require substantiated reassurance that they can trust Harris.
As Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi wisely noted, for Harris to succeed, she must recognize the centrality of governing from the political center because that’s where much of the public sentiment resides.
Ben Johansen contributed to this report.To build that much-needed trust, Harris can harness the momentum generated by her outreach efforts and her nuanced approach to key issues. Engaging with voters personally, hosting town halls, and facilitating conversations about the challenges they face could prove invaluable. By presenting herself as approachable and receptive, she can counteract any apprehension stemming from her identity or progressive policies.
Additionally, Harris’s ability to connect emotionally with diverse voter groups is an asset. She should prioritize developing a narrative that reflects the multifaceted lives of Americans. Speaking authentically about her own experiences as a woman of color and the daughter of immigrants can resonate with those who may feel marginalized or overlooked in the current political landscape.
Moreover, a focus on economic issues that directly impact working families can help bridge gaps. By addressing concerns about job security, wages, and benefits, she can provide a counter-narrative to Trump's often sensationalized claims regarding the economy. Highlighting her commitments to policies that would bolster middle-class stability—such as universal childcare, healthcare access, and job training programs—would further strengthen her appeal.
Harris also has the opportunity to leverage her background as a former attorney general to address law and order issues in a way that acknowledges both the need for effective public safety measures and the calls for police reform. By advocating for community policing initiatives and responsible criminal justice reforms, she can position herself as a candidate keenly aware of the complexities surrounding these topics and committed to finding balanced solutions.
To overcome the potential barriers created by her more progressive stances, Harris could consider forming coalitions that include moderates and conservatives who share similar goals. Joint initiatives with like-minded legislators can demonstrate her commitment to bipartisanship while underscoring a willingness to listen and collaborate across party lines. Taking proactive steps to engage with these groups will further highlight her intention to govern inclusively.
As election day approaches, crafting her messaging to emphasize unity and shared values will be essential. Harris needs to present a vision of a future where partisan divides are bridged through common objectives and community-building efforts. By focusing on what connects rather than what divides, she can rally support not just from loyal Democrats, but also from independents and moderate Republicans who are eager for a more stable political environment.
Finally, taking a firm stance against misinformation and the fearmongering tactics often employed by political opponents is crucial. By clearly articulating the facts surrounding her policies, her political philosophy, and her intentions should she win the presidency, Harris can help dispel unfounded fears that linger among undecided voters. Engaging directly with critics and addressing their concerns head-on could position her as a confident leader unfazed by adversity.
In summary, for Harris to secure a decisive victory in the upcoming election, she must embrace a multifaceted strategy that blends authenticity, bipartisanship, and a commitment to core democratic values. By anchoring her campaign around a message of unity and shared purpose, she can effectively navigate the treacherous waters of this contentious political climate.
If she takes these steps, Harris stands not only to connect with a broad base of voters but also to challenge the prevailing narratives that could undermine her candidacy. Ultimately, the choice before her is to uphold the integrity of her platform while recognizing the diverse perspectives of the electorate. As she forges ahead, the road to the presidency is filled with possibilities, each requiring her to tap into her strengths, build alliances, and articulate a vision that resonates widely.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
