WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a couple of days, the Democratic National Convention will kick off in Chicago. That’s where delegates and local leaders will rally behind their nominee Vice President Kamala Harris for our highest office. Our Washington DC correspondents Rachel Knapp and Brendan Scanland will be covering the DNC all week.
We expect to hear Harris tout her plans for the economy, which we learned more about more recently. The campaign shared some economic proposals, especially to tackle inflation. Harris laid out a plan to fight price gouging, calling for a federal ban on it, other proposals like first time home-buyers relief, and expanding the child tax credit.
Another area we expect Harris to touch on is foreign policy, specifically the conflict in the Middle East. This is a topic that experts said Harris will have to walk a fine line on. On one hand, you have younger, more progressive Democrat voters who rank the situation in Gaza as one of their top issues. On the other hand, you have more traditional Democrats who strongly support Israel and its right to self-defense. Approaching this contentious issue, while unifying the party, will be a tough task. Analysts said they’ll be watching closely to see how Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, approach it next week.
“How harmonized is the party,” asked Dr. Todd Belt, George Washington University Professor and Director of Political Management. “Is the party really behind her or are there protests outside? Are there any disruptions? Is the party really unified behind the Harris-Waltz ticket?”
The DNC is certainly going to be an interesting event. Just a couple of weeks ago, it was President Joe Biden who was on the ticket. He has since stepped aside and endorsed Harris. We will hear from people attending how they’re feeling towards the change-up.
Just a couple of weeks ago, our crew covered the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The RNC took place soon after the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump. At that convention, Trump announced his running mate: Sen. JD Vance (R- OH).