Vice President Kamala
Harris outlined an unapologetically populist economic
program to an exuberant but intimate crowd on Friday, presenting the most
specific vision of her governing objectives since being named the Democratic
Party's presidential contender.
A cap on prescription drug costs, a $25,000 subsidy
for first-time home buyers, the elimination of medical debt for millions of
Americans, a "first-ever" ban on price gouging for groceries and
food, and a child tax credit that would give families $6,000 per child for the
first year of a baby's life were among the most striking proposals.
In a departure from the loud rallies that have
typified Harris' month-old campaign, the vice president chose a smaller setting
of around 250 supporters to explain a variety of economic proposals targeted at
"lowering costs for American families." The event appeared to mark a
new chapter in Harris' campaign, one in which she will not only hold large
rallies but also connect more directly with smaller groups, allowing her to
elaborate on legislative and executive initiatives she would pursue as
president.
Some of the economic measures announced by Harris'
campaign earlier on Friday exceeded President Joe Biden's promises. While
Harris is building on much of Biden's economic agenda, she is also attempting
to implement policies that are distinctive to her as she seeks to identify
herself to millions of voters who may not fully understand where she stands on
a number of crucial issues. Some Republicans have criticized Harris' campaign
for lacking substance, something she intends to address directly in the coming
days and weeks, according to her aides.