As the enthusiasm from the Democratic National Convention quickly diminishes, the real challenge for Democrats becomes clear: addressing the pressing issues that Americans are most concerned about. The fervor of the convention will not substitute for substantive solutions on crucial matters of national importance.
The success of the Harris-Walz campaign hinges on their handling of three pivotal issues, all starting with the letter “I”: inflation, immigration, and Israel, in that order of priority.
Democrats face crucial test on inflation, immigration, and Israel as convention energy fades and real issues emerge
Inflation demands a robust strategy rather than mere promises. Despite a generally positive macroeconomic record, the current administration has struggled with inflation, an issue that historically can seriously damage a presidency, as seen with Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, both one-term presidents beset by inflation problems.
While some inflationary pressures are beyond the White House’s control, Federal Reserve policy is a key factor. VP Harris will need to address this by becoming an effective “executor in chief” of economic policy, balancing interest rates and the cost of borrowing without resorting to price controls, even if market abuses occur.
Immigration necessitates concrete actions rather than rhetoric. Both Harris and former President Trump have exchanged criticisms over border issues, but real success will be judged by tangible results. Harris must not only revive but improve upon the bipartisan border reform efforts thwarted by Trump.
This involves crafting a comprehensive immigration bill that addresses security, asylum, and enforcement, ensuring it gains the support of both border states and local communities. This initiative should be seen as a foundational step, with active engagement from law enforcement and grassroots organizations.
Israel requires a thoughtful strategy rather than superficial slogans. U.S. policy has consistently supported Israel’s security and its right to self-defense while recognizing the Palestinian pursuit of freedom and self-determination. However, the ongoing conflict, exacerbated by the October 7 attacks and subsequent civilian casualties, adds complexity to an already difficult issue. Successive administrations, from Reagan to Biden, have attempted to mediate peace with mixed results.
Bush I organized the Madrid Conference, Clinton brokered the Oslo Accords, and Bush endorsed a two-state solution. Obama appointed a special envoy to the Middle East, while Trump facilitated the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations with several Arab states but not addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Harris faces the challenge of sailing through U.S. interests, balancing unwavering support for Israel with a commitment to human rights. Her acceptance speech suggests she is prepared for this task, but if elected, she must move beyond symbolic gestures and address these critical issues with actionable solutions. The future of her administration—and the nation—depends on her ability to tackle these concerns head-on, transcending the transient excitement of the convention for substantive progress.
