5 reasons Kamala Harris' closing argument could give her victory

I'm not here to advocate. My role as a researcher and communications strategist is to assess not just what candidates are saying, but what voters are actually hearing.

On Tuesday night, Vice President Kamala Harris had a momentous opportunity to deliver her closing argument at the very location where the events of January 6, 2021, occurred. We know a thing or two about confirmation bias because deeply held beliefs shape voters' perceptions. If you're looking for hope, it might show up too.

So if you're a Trump supporter, there was a lot to criticize Tuesday night. If you're on Team Harris, your heart probably soared. If you're still undecided, you may have found something hopeful to hold on to. Will it be enough to give Harris the win on November 5th? I don't understand. However, she did capture some of the important points to make in her closing argument to the United States.

Biden calls Trump supporters 'trash' during Harris campaign event, vice president promises unity at Ellipse rally

Here are five reasons why.

1. She showed voters she was listening.

In the weeks leading up to this moment, Ms. Harris had often been on the defensive, especially when it came to economic concerns. When voters expressed concerns about rising food prices, she insisted the economy was thriving. But on Tuesday night, she switched gears by directly acknowledging those frustrations. By empathizing with voters' fears and showing that she truly understands their struggles, she took an important step toward forging stronger bonds with those who need to be heard.

2. Solutions provided to real problems

Harris has at times struggled to connect her policy proposals to real issues facing her constituents. Asked what she would do to address rising costs, she said she was raised middle-class, so voters have little to hold on to. But on Tuesday night, she offered a concrete, actionable strategy that may resonate with people dealing with inflation and economic uncertainty. Was it enough? I'm not completely sure, but it definitely felt like I was making progress. Voters want a leader with a clear plan, and last night she started connecting those dots.

3. Answered a question about how her administration will be different from the Biden administration.

A key part of Ms. Harris' message was to emphasize how her presidency will differ from Mr. Biden's. So far, she has struggled to draw the distinction, only saying that she is clearly not Joe Biden. But on Tuesday night, she did something completely different. She noted that while the past four years have focused on tackling the pandemic, the administration will focus on affordability and economic relief. This reconfiguration is important because it clearly distinguishes her from Joe Biden and shows she is ready to lead our country in a new direction.

4. Express optimism over fear.

Harris began her campaign by avoiding fear-driven rhetoric and emphasizing the fight for freedom that resonated with many. On Tuesday night, that symbol of freedom was everywhere, with freedom signs lining the stage and surrounding area, creating a powerful visual statement. This optimistic message was a refreshing contrast to some of the darker moments in her campaign and, frankly, in recent days.

5. Put yourself at the center of your message, not the former president.

It is important to draw a distinction between yourself and the other person. Much of what Ms. Harris has done in recent weeks appears to be a response to Mr. Trump. He will trample on the Constitution. Become a dictator. fascist. Even Hitler. And in fact, she did part of it last night. But that wasn't the focus of her message.

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When she focuses too much on Trump, it amplifies his presence and makes him seem invincible. Instead, she effectively communicated that she is very different from Trump while positioning herself as a capable leader who can tackle the future head-on.

Kamala Harris delivered her closing arguments Tuesday night before voters at the Ellipse, turning a former crime scene into a platform for her vision for the future. The clock is ticking, and while she has certainly made significant progress in her own case, the final decision rests with voters. Will they buy what she's selling?

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While opinions about Trump are strong and unwavering, feelings about Harris seem to be more fluid. She did what she had to do last night. It's up to voters to decide whether they're ready to take the leap with her.

As we head into the final days of the campaign, one thing is clear. In the unpredictable world of politics, the real test will be whether she can turn this moment into a meaningful movement.

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