Finance & economics | Pursuing happiness

Can Kamala Harris win on the economy?

A visit to a crucial swing state reveals the problems she will face

Collage illustration featuring Kamala Haris, Josh Shapiro and some Pennsylvania landmarks.
Illustration: Klawe Rzeczy
|Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Kamala Harris has all but erased Donald Trump’s polling lead in America’s six swing states, which is testament to the excitement generated by her late entrance into the presidential race. On August 6th she will speak at a rally in Pennsylvania, the most crucial of the swing states, alongside her new running-mate, who may well be Josh Shapiro, the state’s governor. Judging by her past speeches, she will warn that Mr Trump wants to ban abortion, is a threat to democracy and only cares about the rich. Underlying it all will be another message—that the American economy is the world’s strongest, and that the country remains a place of opportunity.

Explore more

More from Finance & economics

The stockmarket rout may not be over

As investors pause for breath, we assess what could turn a correction into a crash

Why Japanese stocks are on a rollercoaster ride

Volatility in global markets continues


Why Japanese markets have plummeted

The global rout continues, with the Topix experiencing its worst day since 1987


Swing-state economies are doing just fine

They would be doing even better if the Biden-Harris administration had been more cynical

Why fear is sweeping markets everywhere

American and Japanese indices have taken a battering. So have banks and gold

India’s economic policy will not make it rich

A new World Bank report takes aim at emerging-market growth plans