Harris' conservative culture play
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
From camo hats to libertarian rhetoric, the Kamala Harris campaign is staking its claim to symbols of conservative identity.
Why it matters: The appeals aim to convey that Democrats are not trying to undo a conservative way of life, and that red and blue Americas are not immutably divided by culture.
Driving the news: At this month's debate, Harris surprised many by saying that she is a gun owner, and in an interview with Oprah this week said, "If somebody breaks into my house, they're getting shot."
- Even as she advocates for gun control measures, she used the comments to signal not only that she didn't support confiscating guns, but that she has a personal stake in the Second Amendment.
Zoom out: The comments follow a pattern of Harris and Walz claiming rhetorical turf that has long been held by Republicans.
- Harris' campaign launch video was centered around "freedom," a pervasive conservative rallying cry for resisting liberal policies on taxation, gun control and government regulation.
- Harris and Walz are using it to advocate for abortion rights and fight interventionist policies like school book bans and curriculum directives.
- Tim Walz's biography — his rural Nebraska upbringing, football coaching experience and everyday dad persona — serve to build up the ticket's Middle America credentials. And his "mind your own damn business" refrain taps into a libertarian sensibility.
These embraces have caught on as Democratic rallying cries this campaign.
- The camouflage Harris-Walz campaign hat instantaneously sold out.
- "Patriotism" was a common refrain at the DNC in August, and "USA" chants rang out from the audience throughout the week.
Between the lines: The Harris campaign is hoping that by showing welcoming arms for conservative identity, right-leaning voters will loosen steadfast liberals-are-from-Mars beliefs and evaluate the candidates based on policies that affect them, like reproductive rights and economic assistance programs.
What to watch: Harris is trying to steer Democrats' fortunes amid a political realignment that has seen the party losing favor with working class communities of color and gaining ground among wealthier suburbanites.
