MNI POLITICAL RISK - Harris Makes Play For Independents At DNC

Executive Summary:

• Vice President Kamala Harris yesterday formally accepted the Democratic Party presidential nomination in a 40-minute speech to close out the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. Harris’ speech reinforced a DNC strategy to refresh the party platform and break from the pessimism that characterised much of President Biden’s term. As expected, Harris delivered only a broad sketch of her policy agenda.
• Perhaps the defining theme of the DNC, was an effort to reclaim ‘patriotism’ and ‘freedom’ for Democrats, two core values of traditional Republican administrations. Democrats see opportunity in Trump’s VP nominee, Senator JD Vance (R-OH), who they view as emblematic of a new Republican movement calling for greater government interference in American family life.
• Trump wraps up his DNC counterprogramming tour today with a rally focused on border security in Arizona. Immigration remains a key plank of Trump’s campaign, however, it is unclear if the issue will be as decisive as it appeared it would be earlier in the year.
• There is speculation that a “special guest” at Trump's rally could be independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., handing Trump an endorsement.
• White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will be in China next week, where he could lay the groundwork for another meeting between President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
• A group of US lawmakers have introduced legislation to block US assistance to countries aiding the government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
• Poll of the Day: Harris' economic policy agenda, “is largely popular among Americans.”

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