Vice President Kamala Harris has released her inaugural campaign video since announcing her presidential bid. The uplifting video, titled “We Choose Freedom,” features Beyoncé’s anthem “Freedom” as the soundtrack and addresses key issues such as gun violence, healthcare, and abortion rights.
What Happened in Kamala Harris’ First Campaign Video?
The video opens with Harris posing the question, “What kind of nation do we aspire to be?”, contrasting her vision with “some people who think we should be a country of chaos, fear and hate”. Harris then declares “We choose freedom” as Beyoncé’s powerful chorus kicks in.The video highlights Harris’s policy positions, stating “The freedom to not just survive, but to thrive. The freedom to be protected from gun violence. The freedom to make choices regarding your own body.” It also features images of Trump and JD Vance, portraying them as the opposition.Harris concludes the ad by saying “We believe in the promise of America and we’re ready to fight for it. Because when we fight, we win. Join us. Go to kamalaharris.com and let’s get to work.” The video exudes positivity, showcasing diverse voters and avoiding any discussion of Harris’s past as a prosecutor.
Why Did Kamala Harris Use Beyoncé’s “Freedom” in Her Campaign Video?
The use of Beyoncé’s song, which incorporates contributions from Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar and samples a line from a traditional hymn, adds to the empowering message of the ad. While Beyoncé has not explicitly endorsed Harris, her permission to use the song is likely to be interpreted as a tacit endorsement given her history of supporting the Democratic Party.
How Has the Video Been Received?
The video has been well-received, with many praising its positive message and use of Beyoncé’s powerful anthem. Some have noted that the video avoids discussing Harris’s past as a prosecutor, focusing instead on her vision for the country and key policy positions.
What Are the Key Issues Addressed in the Video?
The video touches on several key issues, including:
- Gun violence: “The freedom to be protected from gun violence.”
- Healthcare: “The freedom to not just survive, but to thrive.”
- Abortion rights: “The freedom to make choices regarding your own body.”
How Does the Video Compare to Previous Campaign Ads?
The video represents a significant shift from the 2020 campaign video that circulated online shortly after Biden’s announcement. In that ad, a deep male voice likened to a Law & Order SVU narrator directly contrasted Harris with Trump, stating, “He’s a leader in tantrums, never loses cool. He prosecuted sex. He is one.” It concluded by labeling Harris as the “anti-Trump.”The new video, in contrast, radiates positivity and avoids any negative messaging, focusing instead on Harris’s vision for the country and key policy positions. The use of Beyoncé’s anthem adds to the empowering message and has been well-received by many.
What’s Next for Kamala Harris’ Campaign?
With the release of this first campaign video, Harris is poised to take her message to a larger stage as the Democratic candidate and expected nominee. The video has already generated significant buzz and is likely to be a key part of her campaign strategy going forward.As Harris continues to define her campaign and articulate her vision for the country, it will be interesting to see how she navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead. With her strong fundraising numbers and growing momentum, Harris is well-positioned to make a strong case to voters in the coming months.
Conclusion
Kamala Harris’ first campaign video, “We Choose Freedom,” is a powerful and uplifting message that showcases her vision for the country and key policy positions. The use of Beyoncé’s anthem adds to the empowering message and has been well-received by many.As Harris continues to define her campaign and articulate her vision for the country, it will be important to watch how she navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead. With her strong fundraising numbers and growing momentum, Harris is well-positioned to make a strong case to voters in the coming months