Silent No More:
Vice President Kamala Harris has recently taken a more prominent stance on key issues, marking a shift from her supportive role alongside President Biden. Her expressions of concern for Palestinian suffering in the Gaza war, following a meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister, signify her emerging independence and her aspirations to lead her party.
Finding Her Voice
For nearly four years, Harris has been a quiet deputy, often overshadowed by President Biden’s pronouncements. Now, as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, she must navigate the delicate balance of establishing her voice without overtly breaking from Biden. Every statement she makes will be scrutinized to gauge its consistency with the president’s policies while also showcasing her individual perspective.
Political and Personal Alignment
Despite the challenges, Harris and Biden generally align on many issues, reducing the potential for conflict. Their working relationship has been relatively smooth, with few notable disagreements. This alignment might make it easier for Harris to suppress contrary instincts during the election campaign, as she differentiates herself from previous vice presidents who faced similar challenges.
Recent Developments
Recently, Biden allowed Harris to be the public voice during a visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, signaling a shift in roles. Biden’s deep commitment to preventing former President Donald Trump from returning to the White House means he is likely invested in Harris’s success. This is especially important given the concerns about his age and the timing of his withdrawal from the race.
Expert Opinions
Richard Moe, former chief of staff to Vice President Walter F. Mondale, believes that Harris will have significant room to maneuver, depending on the issue and Biden’s stance. Joel K. Goldstein, a vice presidency specialist, highlights the three challenges Harris faces: being tagged with the administration’s baggage, establishing her own identity, and pivoting from subordinate to leader. Goldstein commends Harris for her initial efforts in presenting herself as an effective new leader of the Democratic Party.
Historical Comparisons
Historically, vice presidents like Hubert Humphrey, George H.W. Bush, and Al Gore faced similar challenges, with varying degrees of difficulty. Humphrey, in particular, struggled to distance himself from President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Vietnam War policies. Harris, however, has more flexibility to deviate from administration policy than Humphrey did.
Key Issues
Abortion rights and the Gaza war are areas where Biden and Harris have been perceived differently. Harris has passionately advocated for nationwide abortion rights, while Biden has been more reserved. On Gaza, Harris has emphasized humanitarian concerns more strongly than Biden. During Netanyahu’s visit, she condemned pro-Hamas demonstrators and supported Israel’s right to self-defense but also highlighted the suffering of Palestinian civilians.
Future Prospects
Harris’s approach to these issues suggests a careful balancing act, maintaining loyalty to Biden while asserting her voice. Experts like Goldstein believe that Biden will support Harris’s candidacy as an extension of his values and objectives.
Harris’s remarks on Gaza, delivered without Netanyahu by her side, surprised Israeli officials and drew criticism from Trump. However, Harris, whose husband is Jewish, is more concerned with Biden’s reaction than Trump’s.
“I believe Harris should do everything she can to adhere to the Biden policy as long as she is still the vice president,” said Moe. “That need not be an absolute rule, because the public understandably will expect her to be her own person at some point, so it’s tricky. But essentially, she can distinguish herself as a matter of emphasis and style, as she did on Gaza and the Palestinians.”
Harris’s journey to find her own voice while remaining loyal to Biden will be closely watched as she navigates the complex terrain of the upcoming election.
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