Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris is set to launch a campaign tour aimed at small businesses in battleground states, as reported by CNBC. The tour, titled “Small Business for Harris-Walz,” will focus on engaging Black and Latino communities, key voter demographics that the Democrats are looking to regain after a slip in support for the upcoming election.
While Harris herself will not be attending these events, campaign surrogates including elected officials and community leaders will represent her. The aim is to counteract the momentum gained by Republican nominee Donald Trump, who has been targeting Black and Hispanic voters with promises of economic prosperity at recent rallies.
This small business tour is reminiscent of President Joe Biden’s strategy during his presidential campaign, where he highlighted the gains made by minority-owned businesses under his administration. Harris, too, is expected to draw a contrast with Trump by positioning herself as a champion for small businesses.
The campaign will target small businesses in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, with plans to host organizing events, volunteer trainings, and house parties. Harris has proposed a $50,000 tax deduction for startup expenses for small businesses, as well as a 28% tax on long-term capital gains to incentivize investment in American businesses.
Richard Garcia, the Harris campaign’s small business engagement director, emphasized Harris’s commitment to supporting small businesses, contrasting it with Trump’s purported self-interest. The campaign is hopeful that these initiatives will resonate with voters and help secure crucial support from key demographics.
Overall, the campaign tour signifies Harris’s continued efforts to connect with voters on a personal level and address economic concerns facing small businesses. As the election cycle heats up, this strategy may play a significant role in shaping voter perceptions and ultimately deciding the outcome of the November election.
