Harris freshens up her message on the economy as Trump and Republicans go after her on inflation

All of the sudden it's Kamala Harris' economy — a major opportunity as well as a possible risk for the likely Democratic presidential nominee.

All of the sudden it's Kamala Harris ' economy — a major opportunity as well as a possible risk for the likely Democratic presidential nominee.

Shortly after U.S. President Joe Biden left the race a week ago, Harris began to craft her own narrative around the economy by putting an emphasis on ending child poverty, promoting labor unions, reducing the costs of health and child care and protecting “dignity” in retirement.

Not once in speeches in Wisconsin, Indiana or Texas did she mention the word “inflation” — the overwhelming economic challenge that has dogged Biden's administration and forced him in remarks to consistently acknowledge voters' pain as they cope with higher grocery, gasoline, housing and auto expenses.

Harris is putting a bigger priority on what she says could be ahead.

“In our vision of the future, we see a place where every person has the opportunity not just to get by but to get ahead — a future where no child has to grow up in poverty, where every senior can retire with dignity and where every worker has the freedom to join a union,” Harris told the American Federation of Teachers on Thursday.

But Republicans have moved quickly to try to blame Harris for the inflation that until recently they pinned on Biden. They are emphasizing the cumulative impact of high prices under the Democratic administration.

Labor Department data show that consumer prices are up 19.2 per cent since Biden took office, while average hourly earnings have risen 16.9 per cent.