As the 2024 election enters its final stretch, Democratic lawmakers are uniting behind Vice President Harris’s campaign proposals despite lingering doubts. Previously critical of a plan to exempt tipped income from taxes when former President Trump introduced it, Democratic senators now support Harris’s endorsement of the idea.
Similarly, questions remain about Harris’s proposal to combat price gouging, which has faced sharp Republican criticism. However, with Democratic officials gathering in Chicago to celebrate Harris’s nomination, there’s a concerted effort to avoid public dissent and focus on retaining control of the White House and Congress.
Some Democrats have noted that Harris’s proposal to shield tipped income from taxes seems more palatable when framed as part of her broader plan to aid lower- and middle-income Americans.
Nevertheless, many in the party are cautious, preferring to evaluate it alongside other tax proposals during next year’s debate over the expiration of Trump-era tax cuts. Concerns also persist about the feasibility of enforcing a federal ban on corporate price gouging, with economic experts and Republicans warning of potential pitfalls.
Despite these reservations, Democratic leaders like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer are praising Harris’s bold ideas while stressing the need to scrutinize the details. With key Democrats focused on securing victory, Harris’s proposals will likely continue to shape the campaign’s narrative, even as some moderates urge a careful balance to appeal to swing voters.
