Harris Delivers Speech on Economic Vision in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris recently asserted her vision for an economy that supports both business interests and the middle class, countering Republican nominee Donald Trump’s claims that her policies are “communist” in nature. Speaking at the Economic Club of Pittsburgh in the crucial battleground state of Pennsylvania, Harris emphasized her commitment to taking “good ideas from wherever they come” while pledging to significantly increase the number of individuals being trained in registered apprenticeships. She also highlighted her support for enhancing home ownership.

“As president, I will be grounded in my fundamental values of fairness, dignity, and opportunity,” Harris declared. “And I promise you, I will be pragmatic in my approach.”

Just over an hour before Harris’s address, Trump presented his own contrasting economic plan during a visit to a furniture maker in Mint Hill, North Carolina. He defended his proposal for a special lower tax rate for U.S. manufacturers and vowed to implement tariffs substantial enough to cause an “exodus” of manufacturing jobs from Japan, Germany, and South Korea.

“I’m imposing tariffs on your competition from foreign countries, all these foreign countries that have ripped us off, which stole all of your businesses and all of your jobs years ago,” Trump asserted.

The speeches from both candidates illustrate their differing approaches to economic issues as they seek to appeal to voters in battleground states. Amid ongoing concerns over the economy, both candidates aim to clarify their positions while addressing criticisms directed at them. Trump focuses on promoting U.S. dominance over foreign competitors, while Harris highlights the need to bolster the middle class and support entrepreneurs.

Harris’s speech revolved around her overall economic philosophy and goals, whereas Trump’s remarks took on a more spontaneous, informal tone, touching upon various topics including insinuations about assassination attempts against him.

Trump proposed reducing the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 15 percent for companies that manufacture in the U.S. He suggested that his strong stance on tariffs, which could reach as high as 20 percent, places him in a precarious position internationally.

“This is why people in countries want to kill me. They’re not happy with me,” he explained.

Both candidates aim to highlight their economic strategies at a time when polls indicate that the economy is a top concern for voters. A recent AP-NORC poll suggests that neither candidate currently holds a clear advantage on economic issues.

Both are determined to convey that their respective approaches will secure U.S. economic leadership in the 21st century, positioning themselves as tax cutters while accusing each other of supporting significant tax increases on the middle class. This shift in messaging comes amid a slight easing of inflation worries, following a recent cut in the Federal Reserve’s benchmark interest rates.

Harris countered Trump’s claims, identifying herself as a capitalist who believes in collaboration between government and the private sector. She accused Trump of having “no intention to grow our middle class,” emphasizing that his focus lies solely on enhancing his own life and that of his affluent supporters.

According to sources familiar with her plans, Harris is set to propose $100 billion in tax breaks and incentives aimed at strengthening U.S. manufacturing and fostering emerging technologies. She is also planning to release a brochure outlining her economic vision.

In a related discussion, billionaire Mark Cuban expressed support for Harris, commending her ability to articulate positions that resonate with business leaders. “I want a president that goes into details and has a policy team that understands all the ramifications of what’s been proposed,” Cuban remarked during a call with reporters organized by the Harris campaign.

Harris’s campaign has emphasized business backing, mirroring Trump’s populist proposals, which include ideas like eliminating taxes on tips, Social Security, and overtime pay, as well as capping credit card interest rates at 10 percent and establishing low-tax zones on federal lands. Trump also aims to reverse the limitation on state and local tax deductions that he implemented during his presidency.

Both candidates are seizing the opportunity to criticize each other’s tax policies. Trump recently referred to Harris as the “tax queen,” pointing out her plan to raise the corporate tax rate to 28 percent from the current 21 percent and tax unrealized capital gains for individuals with wealth exceeding $100 million. He claims that these tax increases will ultimately burden the middle class.

“She’s coming for your money,” Trump warned. “She’s coming for your pensions, and she’s coming for your savings.”

In response, Harris framed Trump’s tariff proposals as a type of “national sales tax,” arguing that such measures could inflate prices on everyday goods, from coffee to electronics. Her campaign refers to an analysis suggesting that a universal 20 percent tariff might cost a typical family nearly $4,000 annually, significantly raising tax burdens for middle-income households.

While Trump has positioned himself as a proponent of regulatory reduction, Harris made it clear that she, too, intends to streamline processes. “Projects take too long to go from concept to reality,” she stated, highlighting her commitment to overcoming bureaucratic hurdles to enhance job creation and U.S. competitiveness.

“China is not moving slowly,” Harris said, advocating for significant reforms in permitting and a reduction in red tape to facilitate timely economic progress.