On Tuesday night, Vice President Kamala Harris criticized former President Donald Trump as unfit for office, linking her views to the economic concerns that resonate with more American voters. Over the past decade, Democrats have attempted to define Trump as an outsider to American democratic norms and political traditions. In her recent efforts, Kamala Harris’s outreach to Trump supporters has been a focal point. Hillary Clinton described his actions in 2016 as an “unprecedented attack” on democracy, while President Biden claimed that Trump has eroded the “soul of the nation.”

Harris made her remarks at the site of one of Trump’s most infamous speeches, where he incited his supporters to storm the Capitol. She called Trump a “petty tyrant” seeking “unchecked power” as a once-impeached president. She accused him of instilling division and fear among Americans.

Amid these sharp criticisms, signs of a strategic shift are emerging. Unlike previous Democratic candidates, Harris aims to connect everyday struggles with broader economic concerns. She assured voters, “Even if you don’t vote for me, I will always listen to you.” This contrasts with Trump’s divisive tactics. Kamala Harris’s outreach to Trump supporters involves addressing their concerns directly.

Harris recognizes a political reality: Trump is not a fringe figure. His rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday drew thunderous applause, reminding everyone that he remains a central figure in the Republican Party. As Election Day approaches, about half of Americans stand united behind him, regardless of the outcome.

In her final campaign speech before the election, Harris attempted to differentiate Trump from his supporters. She has moved away from defining Republicans as “extreme MAGA,” a label used by Biden during the 2022 midterms, and instead is reaching out to Republicans who may have previously supported Trump.

She has campaigned in swing states alongside Republicans, including former Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming, a prominent Trump critic. Harris also committed to appointing a Republican to her cabinet and has directly appealed to former Trump voters, reminding them that their voting privacy is protected.

Some within the Democratic Party are uncertain about this new approach. Just before Harris took the stage, President Biden called Trump supporters “garbage” during a campaign call. The comment quickly spread online and was seized upon by Republicans. He later clarified that he was referring to a comedian’s remarks at a Trump rally.

Harris has worked to avoid similar missteps. In a recent interview, when asked if Trump supporters were “stupid,” she firmly replied, “Oh no, I would never say that about the American people.” Instead, she described Trump as someone who belittles and devalues Americans.

Harris frames Trump as a wealthy politician who is out of touch with middle-class needs. She emphasizes that Trump prioritizes the interests of his billionaire friends over those of average Americans. Her policy suggestions focus on practical economic issues, such as expanding elder care coverage and reducing childcare costs.

In her remarks, Harris assured the crowd, “I will seek common ground and sensible solutions to improve your lives. I’m not looking to score political points; I want progress.” To win the election, she needs to energize her Democratic base, which strongly dislikes Trump. At the same time, she must appeal to independent and Republican voters concerned about their financial situations.

Recent polling indicates that only 7% of voters consider democracy to be their top priority when choosing a president. Meanwhile, Trump is attempting to exploit Biden’s “garbage” comment to rally his base, disregarding his own history of demonizing Democrats and dissenters.

Harris’s approach aims to reject inflammatory rhetoric. She acknowledges the divisions in the country but insists that such divisions do not have to persist. “Just because someone disagrees with us doesn’t mean they are ‘the enemy within,’” she stated, emphasizing that the U.S. has been plagued by division and distrust for too long.

Even if Harris successfully unites a coalition to defeat Trump, she may still face the challenge of his substantial influence within the Republican Party. His false claims about the 2020 election have been amplified within the party and by conservative media, creating a narrative that could complicate her campaign.

As Election Day approaches, Trump has escalated his attacks on the Democrats, falsely predicting that they will “cheat” in the election. “That’s the only way they can win,” he claimed during a recent rally. Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden lasted nearly six hours, attended by his most devoted supporters, including Elon Musk.

Harris continues to emphasize that she will work for all Americans, even those who do not agree with her.