Harris Takes Aim At Food, Housing Prices As Part Of ‘Opportunity Economy’ Pitch

Vice President Kamala Harris, in her first major economic policy address since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee, unveiled Friday proposals to ease the costs of housing and food as part of a larger effort to create “an opportunity economy.”

The speech in Raleigh, North Carolina, which had been widely anticipated to fill in some details of broader themes Harris has hit in her public appearances, also took a few jabs at rival GOP nominee Donald Trump and his proposals.

Harris defined an “opportunity economy” as one “where everyone can compete and have a real chance to succeed. Everyone, regardless of who they are or where they start, has an opportunity to build wealth for themselves and their children.”

The economy, and specifically inflation, is seen as one of Harris’ biggest weak spots , even as it has quickly recovered from the short but sharp downturn caused by the 2020 onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While joblessness has remained below 4% for much of Harris’ term as vice president, inflation on a 12-month basis hit a four-decade high in 2022 and voters remain concerned about how high prices have remained.

Harris’ proposals laid out Friday looked to assuage some of that concern and give voters a new target for their ire: greedy corporations.

“When I am elected president, I will make it a top priority to bring down costs and increase economic security for all Americans. As president, I will take on the high costs that matter most to most Americans like the cost of food,” Harris said.

“I know most businesses are creating jobs, contributing to our economy and playing by the rules, but some are not and that’s just not right and we need to take action when that is the case,” she said.

She cited proposals