When Vice President Kamala Harris made her debut as a presidential candidate in Milwaukee, she chose Beyoncé’s “Freedom” as her campaign anthem. The song served not only to energize the audience but also to convey Harris’ message that fundamental freedoms are at stake in this election. This theme has been central to Harris’ speeches since the start of her campaign, setting her apart from President Joe Biden’s more ominous rhetoric targeting former President Donald Trump.
While Harris has not abandoned that message, she has adopted a more upbeat tone in an effort to close the gap with Trump in key swing states. However, Republicans are skeptical of the Democrats’ focus on freedom and patriotism, dismissing it as empty rhetoric.
Democrats argue that their definition of freedom includes the ability to make a better life for oneself and have control over healthcare decisions. They believe that their emphasis on positive liberty—where state government empowers individuals—is a winning theme.
At the Democratic National Convention (DNC), patriotism was also highlighted through displays of American flags and chants of ”USA.” Democrats presented their love for country as inclusive and welcoming to all kinds of people.
Trump, who has long invoked patriotism with his “Make America Great Again” slogan and prominent display of American flags at his rallies, sees this messaging strategy from Harris as an attempt to take away language traditionally associated with Republicans.
Political science professors David Schultz and Aaron Dusso view Harris’ focus on patriotism and freedom as smart moves that appeal both to centrists and progressives while reclaiming language from Republicans.
However, critics like former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy argue that voters will demand substance behind these rhetorical appeals. They question whether Democrats can deliver on their promises without leading to centralized government control.
Furthermore, Senator James Lankford raises concerns about Harris’ shifting stance on immigration since becoming the Democratic nominee. He accuses her of not participating in negotiations regarding border security legislation despite claiming support for securing the border during her 2019 presidential bid.
As Kamala Harris continues campaigning, political science professor Robert Y. Shapiro suggests she must navigate carefully when it comes to immigration policy by striking a balance between responding to public opinion while addressing issues like climate change and healthcare incrementally.
both sides recognize the importance of framing their campaigns around concepts like freedom and patriotism but differ in how they interpret these ideas within their respective platforms.