In Raleigh, VP Harris unveils a plan to cut everyday costs
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Addressing a crowd in Raleigh Friday afternoon, Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled for the first time details of her proposed economic policy agenda, describing a vision to ease cost burdens on families.
Why it matters: Since she became the presumptive Democratic nominee after President Biden dropped out of the race last month, Harris has provided scant details on what kind of action she'd take if she's elected president.
- The economy — specifically inflation — remains a top concern for voters, including those in swing states.
Driving the news: Harris detailed big plans for her first 100 days in office.
- Her administration would move to build three million new housing units, offer $25,000 in downpayment assistance for first-time buyers, ban price gouging on food and groceries, cut taxes for middle-class families and wipe out medical debt for three million Americans.
What she's saying: "I know how to fight for people who are being exploited in the housing market," Harris said, pointing to her work as California's attorney general.
- "I know what home ownership means. It's more than a financial transaction ... Homeownership — and what that means — it's a symbol of the pride that comes with hard work. It's financial security," she added.
- "Sadly, right now, it is out of reach for far too many American families."
Between the lines: Harris doesn't want to be completely defined by the Biden-Harris record, her advisers told Axios' Mike Allen and Jim VandeHei, but her newly unveiled plan is in some ways a repackaging of Biden's agenda.
- One of Harris' major challenges will be acknowledging high prices while avoiding the blame for inflation that Biden often receives, Axios' Emiy Peck writes.
Zoom out: Harris said she planned to build on the foundation of the Biden administration, under which she said the economy is the "strongest in the world.
- She also pointed to the administration's investments, including in infrastructure, manufacturing and clean energy.
- "Still, we know that many Americans don't yet feel that progress," Harris said.
The intrigue: Harris' appearance in Raleigh marks her eighth visit to North Carolina this year alone, and her decision to make today's address in the swing state is yet another sign of the campaign's hope that they can win.
- "I've got that 2008 feeling," said Gov. Roy Cooper, who addressed the crowd ahead of Harris.
- When she lands in North Carolina, as Harris descends the stairs of Air Force Two, she'll shout "what number is it, Roy?" she told the crowd, referring to the number of her visits.
Context: In announcing her aim to wipe some $7 billion in medical debt for around 3 million Americans, Harris gave a nod to North Carolina.
- Cooper and state health secretary Kody Kinsley recently announced that 99 hospitals in the state would wipe some 2 million North Carolinians' debt totaling around $4 billion.
Zoom in: Mike De Los Santos, owner of Mike D's BBQ in Durham, introduced Harris at the event.
- "Let me tell you one of the biggest fans of Mike D's BBQ," Harris said in the opening of her speech. "My husband, Doug Emhoff."
What we're watching: Democrats and Republicans alike have acknowledged the energy that seems to be surrounding Harris' candidacy so far. But it remains to be seen how Harris' candidacy will impact Democrats down the ballot in North Carolina.