WASHINGTON, D.C. – We are just a few days away from the Democratic National Convention. Our Washington DC correspondents Rachel Knapp and Brendan Scanland will head to the convention in Chicago where they will speak with delegates and local leaders about the party’s policies and November election. This convention is off to an unusual start with President Joe Biden stepping aside just a couple of weeks ago, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the nomination.
Political scientists said since this campaign is relatively new, they expect to hear from people wanting to know more about Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The DNC is an opportunity for Harris and Walz to introduce themselves and have those closest to them also speak about them.
“People know who Kamala Harris is a bit and they’re starting to learn who Tim Waltz is but they really need to tell them who they are and why they’re qualified to serve as president and vice president,” said Dr. Todd Belt, George Washington University Professor and Director of Political Management.
Another thing Belt said to look out for is their policy platform. Over the past four years, Harris’ policy stances have mirrored those of President Biden; but what policies would a Harris administration bring to the table. During recent campaign stops, we’ve heard Harris and Walz talk about those hot-button issues, like reproductive rights, defending democracy but we haven’t heard a lot about how a Harris-Walz administration would address the war and humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, or domestic issues like securing the border and curbing inflation.
Belt said the DNC is a prime opportunity to introduce America to their policy platform and themselves.
“They need to really get some policy platform out there,” said Dr. Belt. “The convention will put together a set of policies for the Democratic Party to run on. But as of yet, Kamala Harris has really avoided the press and hasn’t taken any strong stands on any issues. She really needs to tell the American people what she stands for and what America would look like under a Harris presidency.”
Belt believes one reason Harris has been hesitant to speak with press or lay out a concrete agenda is because she might not have them fully developed.
“In fact, I think one of the reasons she brought Tim Waltz onto the campaign is that he’s very good at explaining policy, especially in a way that appeals across the two parties,” said Dr. Belt.
Our crew also reported from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee a couple of weeks ago. At the RNC, former President Trump announced his running mate: Sen. JD Vance (R- OH). The RNC happened a couple of days following an assassination attempt against Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Our crews will bring the latest on the DNC when it starts on Monday.