The Harris campaign debuted its first TV ad Thursday, an upbeat spot that features Vice President Kamala Harris exclusively since President Biden dropped out of the race.
The 79-second ad is narrated by Ms. Harris and features Beyonce’s song “Freedom.”
“There are some people who think we should be a country of chaos. Of fear. Of hate,” Ms. Harris says over images of her rivals, former President Donald Trump and Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, the Republican vice presidential pick.
“But us. We choose something different,” Ms. Harris says. “We choose freedom. The freedom not just to get by, but get ahead. The freedom to be safe from gun violence. The freedom to make decisions about your own body. We choose a future where no child lives in poverty. Where we all can afford health care, where no one is above the law.”
The ad features smiling crowds and families in everyday situations. It strikes a positive tone as Ms. Harris scrambles to cement a positive image after locking down the party nomination within two days of Mr. Biden’s historic decision to bow out.
Mr. Biden, 81, said it was time to “pass the torch” to a new generation. Democrats were anxious about Mr. Biden’s age and abilities after his poor debate performance in late June.
Polls show Ms. Harris runs slightly better than Mr. Biden against Mr. Trump in battleground states, though is virtually tied or trailing in some places, signaling she has work to do to consolidate support. Her choice of a running mate might be targeted at prized states such as Arizona or Pennsylvania.
Emerson College Polling on Thursday said Ms. Harris trailed Mr. Trump by 1 to 5 points in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan and Pennsylvania, but was tied with him in Wisconsin.
“Harris has recovered a portion of the vote for the Democrats on the presidential ticket since the fallout after the June 27 debate,” said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling. “Harris’ numbers now reflect similar support levels to those of Biden back in March.”
Ms. Harris’ new ad is part of a scramble to play catchup after her sudden promotion to the top of the ticket.
Mr. Trump and his allies outspent Ms. Harris’ campaign by 25-to1 on television and radio — $68 million for Republicans versus $2.6 million for Democrats — since Monday, which includes actual spending and reservations for future weeks, according to an Associated Press breakdown.
Mr. Trump is also trying to define Ms. Harris out of the gate. He called into “Fox & Friends” on Thursday to describe Ms. Harris as a California radical who is soft on crime and illegal immigration and worse than Mr. Biden.
Ms. Harris’ campaign sent an email describing the interview as “a 78-year-old criminal’s Fox News appearance.”
The vice president is giving speeches to gain momentum for her bid, making stops at Black sorority conventions and delivering a keynote address Thursday to the American Federation of Teachers.
She often focuses on abortion rights, an issue that Democrats are wielding against the GOP to appeal to suburban women and other voters.
The Harris campaign ad, which will run on social media platforms, directs supporters to her website and urges them to pitch into the campaign.
“We believe in the promise of America, and we are ready to fight for it,” she says. “Because when we fight, we win. So join us.”
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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