Sun Sep 15 10:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Harris Shuns Identity Politics, Focusing on Issues in Presidential Bid

**PITTSBURGH, PA -** As Vice President Kamala Harris prepares for the November election, she’s choosing to focus on policy and issues rather than her historic potential as the first female and first woman of color to hold the presidency.

While many view Harris’ potential win as a groundbreaking moment, she has studiously avoided centering her campaign around her identity. This is evident in her responses to questions about her race and gender, often deflecting and emphasizing her commitment to addressing issues affecting all Americans.

Her approach contrasts sharply with the tactic employed by her opponent, former President Donald Trump, who has attempted to use Harris’ race to his advantage, drawing her into a conversation about identity politics. However, strategists believe this is a deliberate tactic to shift the narrative away from policy discussions and potentially alienate voters.

“Trump is trying to use it as a playbook, to talk about identity politics instead of issues, to make it about her instead of the people,” stated Karen Finney, a former Hillary Clinton campaign strategist and long-time acquaintance of Harris.

Harris’s focus on issues is seen as a strategic move to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters and avoid potentially alienating swing voters. While her identity is undeniable, strategists believe that emphasizing her qualifications and policy positions resonates more with voters concerned about their everyday lives.

This approach mirrors former President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, where he chose to emphasize his qualifications and vision for the country, rather than his racial identity. This strategy was ultimately successful, proving that a candidate can make history without explicitly centering their campaign around their identity.

With less than two months until the election, Harris’s campaign is focused on issues that matter to voters, including healthcare, the economy, and climate change. While the historic potential of her candidacy is undeniable, it appears Harris is confident that her vision and policy proposals are enough to win over voters.

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