The Role of Small Businesses in Presidential Campaigns

In the landscape of presidential campaigns, candidates frequently utilize the imagery of small businesses—like record stores, diners, and machine shops—to convey their authenticity and connection to traditional values. However, this election cycle has placed a renewed emphasis on these enterprises.

Vice President Kamala Harris has strategically woven the theme of entrepreneurship into her campaign narrative, positioning herself as a champion for the small business owner. While embracing capitalism, she emphasizes support for everyday Americans and local entrepreneurs. Her economic policy platform references “small business” an impressive 77 times, showcasing a commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by these enterprises. Her proposals include initiatives aimed at simplifying licensing processes and increasing access to federal contracts.

There is a compelling reason for candidates to focus on Main Street. Research from Gallup and Pew indicates that small businesses rank as one of the most respected institutions in American society. Furthermore, Ms. Harris’s outreach to small business owners serves as a counterbalance to former President Donald J. Trump, whose reputation as a successful businessman remains influential among voters, despite his history of bankruptcies and questionable business practices.

While Ms. Harris’s emphasis on small business is not entirely new, she has consistently championed this cause since her tenure as vice president. She has visited numerous businesses to distribute billions of dollars in loans, a direct result of the American Rescue Plan Act. In her speeches, she often shares the story of her “second mother,” Regina Shelton, who owned a nursery school in Berkeley, California. Ms. Shelton’s role as a small business owner exemplifies the vital connection between local enterprises and their communities.

According to Felicia Wong, president of Roosevelt Forward, a progressive advocacy group, “Kamala’s economic plans are designed to support individuals like Mrs. Shelton, ensuring they have the resources to start their own businesses or to pass their legacies on to future generations.”

Through her approach, Ms. Harris endeavors to present herself as a committed capitalist who prioritizes the needs of the little guy, reinforcing her dedication to fostering a thriving environment for small businesses across the nation.