Jack Smith has filed a revised indictment against Donald Trump

As Vice President Kamala Harris kicks off her fall campaign for the White House, she faces an uphill battle historically. Only one sitting vice president—George H.W. Bush in 1988—has successfully transitioned to the presidency since 1836. Harris, however, hopes to break this trend as she seeks to secure a victory in the 2024 election.

In other political developments, independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. officially withdrew his candidacy in Maine. His presence on the ballot could have influenced the outcome in this state. Despite Maine’s tendency to vote Democratic in presidential elections, the state’s unique system of apportioning electoral votes by congressional district—and its use of ranked-choice voting—adds complexity to its electoral landscape. In the last two elections, Trump secured an electoral vote in Maine’s rural 2nd Congressional District, highlighting the district’s importance in a tightly contested race.

On the campaign trail, Vice President Harris has launched a new ad campaign to link former President Trump to the conservative Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” a comprehensive plan outlining governance strategies for the next Republican administration. The ad, part of Harris’ $370 million digital and television advertising budget, accuses Trump of seeking control over voters by associating him with the plan. However, Trump has distanced himself from Project 2025, claiming on social media that he has no knowledge of the plan and was not involved in its creation.

As the cost of living continues to be a significant issue for American families, the economic policies proposed by the presidential candidates offer contrasting solutions. Trump and Harris have supported an expanded child tax credit for different careers. Harris intends to build on President Joe Biden’s efforts to make childcare and eldercare more affordable, although she has yet to formalize these plans. Meanwhile, if elected, Trump still must provide specific details on addressing these costs. His running mate, Senator JD Vance, has a history of advocating for policies that promote family growth.

As Harris embarks on her campaign, she faces the challenge of defying history. Since 1836, only one sitting vice president has successfully won the presidency, underscoring the difficulty of her path to the White House.