Vice President Kamala Harris is carving out her own policy agenda as she prepares for the upcoming elections, focusing on themes such as middle-class support and economic stability, while also proposing bipartisan initiatives like eliminating federal taxes on tipped earnings. As she prepares for a debate against Donald Trump, Harris aims to leverage her debating skills to define both herself and her opponent, especially after President Biden's lackluster performance in a past debate. Meanwhile, Democratic candidates like Rep. Susie Lee are experiencing increased volunteer support linked to Harris's candidacy, emphasizing local issues in their campaigns. Harris and Trump present contrasting campaign narratives, with Harris promoting a message of 'joy' and optimism, while Trump adopts a more somber tone. The Democratic National Committee has launched an advertising campaign for the Harris-Walz ticket in key battleground states to bolster their visibility and voter outreach. As the race heats up, the collaboration between local and national efforts will be crucial for Democratic candidates facing tight contests.