Vice President Harris aims to emphasize key domestic issues like the economy, abortion, and other pressing topics during her major address at the Democratic National Convention. While the Gaza-Israel conflict is stirring serious protests outside the United Center, it is not her primary focus for the convention.
The Gaza-Israel issue has created internal divisions within the Democratic Party, making it a less favorable topic for convention speeches centered around unity. Despite the protests and the strong feelings they reflect, convention speakers have largely avoided extensive discussion on this subject, instead concentrating on matters believed to be more pivotal for the 2024 election, such as economic concerns and reproductive rights.
Harris’s convention speech set to emphasize domestic issues like inflation and reproductive rights
Polling data supports this strategy, with voters indicating that the economy, inflation, and health care are far more pressing issues than the Israel-Hamas conflict. According to recent polls, only a minority view the war as a crucial factor in their voting decisions.
However, the situation in Gaza could still influence the race remarkably. President Biden’s handling of the conflict negatively impacted his support in key battleground states, such as Michigan, which has a substantial Arab American population. Harris, who has been more vocal on human rights issues compared to Biden, may leverage this to her advantage.
Harris has faced pro-Palestinian protesters and has used different strategies than Biden to address their concerns. While she has expressed a desire to resolve the Gaza conflict, her campaign emphasizes that the election’s stakes are high, focusing on domestic issues where she believes she can make a decisive impact.
