What Kamala Harris Needs to Do in Order to Win the Presidency

There is only six weeks to the election for president. Kamala Harris has faced both opportunity and challenge in her political journey. As vice president of the United States, she has gained experience at the highest levels of government. However, to successfully win the presidency, Harris must carefully navigate her campaign. Below is a list of what she needs to do to secure presidential victory and make history: 

Here's what Harris has done well:

She's has clearly defined her policies on:

• Protecting Abortion Rights: Harris has remained a steadfast supporter of reproductive rights, a key issue in today’s political climate. She has consistently defended the right to choose, which appeals to a broad swath of voters.

• Lowering Drug Prices: She has been vocal about her commitment to reducing the cost of prescription drugs, particularly for low- income and middle-income Americans. This aligns with the concerns of many who struggle with healthcare affordability.

• Tax Credits for Small Businesses: Harris has outlined plans to support small businesses through tax credits, which could stimulate economic growth and generate support from entrepreneurs and the working class.

• Kamala Harris has consistently emphasized her commitment to being a president for all people: Harris has constantly stated that she'd be a president for all, regardless of political affiliation, race, sexuality, or nationality. This message is central to her campaign, reflecting her focus on inclusivity and unity. Harris has made it clear that her leadership will prioritize the needs of all Americans, aiming to bridge political and social divides, and foster a sense of national cohesion. By pledging to serve everyone, she’s positioning herself as a candidate who can bring the country together in a time of polarization, ensuring that underrepresented groups and diverse communities are heard and supported in her policies.

• Kamala Harris has greatly illustrated the dangers Donald Trump poses to the country as president: 

1. She has effectively debunked many of his lies and conspiracy theories, while exposing his affiliation with the 2025 Project, a conservative agenda aimed at consolidating executive power. 

2. Harris has demonstrated Trump’s narcissism, his susceptibility to being easily goaded, and his inability to lead with integrity. 

3. She has emphasized that Trump’s primary goal is to use the presidency not for the betterment of the nation but to punish his perceived enemies and settle personal scores. 

By highlighting these traits, Harris is positioning herself as the candidate who can protect democracy and lead the country in a more stable, ethical direction. However, that isn't all that's needed to secure the presidency. 

Here's what Harris needs to improve on:

1. She Need to Clearly Define Her Policy Positions:

In order to appeal to a broader base of voters, Harris needs to provide clarity on key issues. Voters need to know where she stands on:

• Housing: With the housing crisis at the forefront of economic concerns, Harris must develop and promote a comprehensive plan to address affordable housing.

• Inflation: As inflation continues to affect everyday Americans, Harris should detail specific solutions for combating rising prices, whether through fiscal policy or targeted relief programs.

• Immigration: The U.S. immigration system remains a deeply polarizing topic. Harris must lay out her vision for reform that balances security with compassion and respect for human rights.

• Global Conflict (Israel-Hamas): Foreign policy experience will be vital in her role as president. Harris needs to articulate a thoughtful stance on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, stressing diplomacy while balancing U.S. interests in the region.

2. She needs to Grant More Interviews :

To build trust with voters, Harris should increase her media presence. One area where her campaign has been criticized is the lack of interviews. If she remains out of the public eye, voters might perceive her as detached or more focused on campaign promises than delivering results. By engaging in more interviews, she could address concerns directly, making her more relatable and transparent. 

3. Acknowledge Her Evolving or changed Views:

Like all most anybody, Harris’ views have evolved over time. For example, her stance on police reform has shifted since George Floyd's death, when she supported some measures in line with "defund the police" sentiments. Harris needs to address such changes openly, explaining how and why her views have transformed. Voters often appreciate honesty, and by acknowledging her growth, she can build a stronger rapport with the electorate.

4. Define Her Own Identity as a Leader :

One of Harris’s challenges is standing on her own, independent of President Biden. As Vice President, it’s difficult to strike a balance between supporting Biden’s policies and asserting her own vision. For her presidential campaign to succeed, Harris must clearly define her own agenda, one that isn’t reliant on Biden’s legacy but instead focused on her personal vision for the future. 

5. Take Accountability and Apologize for Past Missteps :

As the saying goes, we are all human and we all make mistakes. However, when people are running for a political office, that saying seems to fly out of the window. A key element of gaining voter trust is acknowledging when things haven’t gone according to plan. It's far better when a candidate acknowledges their mistakes, apologize, and move on. One of Harris’ greatest challenges lies in addressing her past support for policies or actions that are now viewed critically. This includes: 

• The U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan: While there was broad consensus that the U.S. needed to leave Afghanistan, the chaotic and rushed nature of the withdrawal drew sharp criticism and left lasting consequences. The consequences include:

1. A takeover by extremist groups and more terrorist attacks. For example, soon after the withdrawal, there was an attack at Abbey Gate, which led to the deaths of over 170Afgan civilians and 13 U.S. military personnel. 

2. Women are denied rights to an education. 

3. Humanitarian aid has decreased due terrorist attacks and unsafe conditions. This has led to starvation and a huge refugee crisis.

Harris needs to take responsibility for the administration’s role the fallout, while outlining  

    how she would approach foreign policy and international engagements differently in the      

    future.

• Her Record as San Francisco's District Attorney: Harris’s time as DA is point of controversy for many. Some critics argue that her "tough on crime" stance disproportionately affected communities of color, which has led to a mistrust of Harris in these communities. 

Take the high-profile case of the wrongful conviction of Jamal Trulove.  In October of 2008, Jamal Trulove was arrested for the murder of Seu Kuka, in July 2007. In January 2010, Trulove was convicted of that crime and sentence to 50 years to life in prison. Trulove was later exonerated in that crime.

Harris was not the prosecutor in that case, but she was the District Attorney. While Trulove endorsed Harris’s 2020 run and now, her 2024 run, his wrongful imprisonment under her watch is still a point of contention and pain for many. Many Black men Harris should address these incidents head-on when asked about them, while apologizing and showing empathy for those affected while explaining how her approach to criminal justice has shifted since her time as DA.

This is what Kamala Harris Must Not Do!:

Harris must avoid is wasting time by calling for another debate with Donald Trump. She has already proven herself a great debater while debating Trump, where she was widely viewed as the clear winner. 

Continuing to push for another debate not only risks giving Trump unnecessary attention, but it also distracts from the critical work she needs to focus on. While it's unlikely Trump would agree to another debate, pursuing it would be time lost that could be better spent addressing the pressing issues mentioned earlier, such as clarifying her policies, engaging with voters through interviews, and establishing her leadership identity. Instead of revisiting old battles, Harris should concentrate on moving forward and strengthening her campaign.