On her tour of nearly a dozen U.S. states, Vice President Kamala Harris has been displaying a punchy and assertive side. She took aim at Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, criticizing his stance on “revisionist history” regarding slavery, urged Iowa healthcare workers to rebel against restrictive abortion laws, and rallied Latinos in Chicago against “extremist” Republicans.
This Saturday, Harris, the first woman and woman of color to serve as vice president, will open the NAACP’s annual conference in Boston, a significant event for Black Americans, shaping the Democratic focus for the 2024 election.
In an effort to bolster support and improve her image, Harris is taking on an expanded role, engaging in campaign-style events to reconnect with loyal supporters, appeal to independents, and reach out to disengaged Democrats who have not been hearing the administration’s message.
The move comes at a crucial time, as some influential Democrats express the need for Harris to be more visible, especially among Black voters, a vital bloc for the Democrats’ success. Recent polls have shown a decline in enthusiasm among this demographic, which played a crucial role in Biden’s 2020 victory.
Harris’s historically low approval ratings are also a concern for the White House. They hope that by putting her in the spotlight more frequently, she can address Republican criticisms and unite the Democratic base.
While Harris faces challenges and divisions within the opposition, she is receiving increased support from her core base. Some critics suggest that she should have taken on a more forceful role earlier in her tenure, but they acknowledge her growing vocal presence on subjects she is comfortable with.
Longtime supporters of Harris are appreciating the renewed effort to keep them informed about her activities, indicating a positive shift in engagement.
