Kamala Harris, the first female, African American, and Asian American Vice President of the United States, has had a diverse political career spanning roles as California's Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and now second-in-command to President Biden. As the 2024 election approaches, her stances on key issues have come under scrutiny.
On abortion rights, Harris has emerged as a leading voice for the Democratic Party. She has consistently supported reproductive freedoms and even visited a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota in March 2024, marking a historic first for a sitting vice president. During her 2020 presidential campaign, Harris proposed requiring federal approval for new abortion laws in states with a history of violating abortion rights.
Regarding taxation, Harris has advocated for more progressive policies than President Biden. She has proposed reversing the 2017 Trump administration tax cuts and increasing the corporate tax rate to 35%. Harris has also suggested tax credits for lower-income workers and higher estate taxes on the wealthy to fund teacher salary increases.
"Frankly, this economy is not working for working people. For too long the rules have been written in the favour of the people who have the most and not in favour of the people who work the most."
On immigration, Harris's stance has evolved. Initially criticized for her "do not come" message to migrants in 2021, she later softened her approach, acknowledging the complexity of the issue. In March 2024, Harris stated, "We are very clear, and I think most Americans are clear, that we have a broken immigration system and we need to fix it."
Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, Harris has shown a willingness to be more critical of Israel's actions than President Biden. She has called for an immediate temporary ceasefire and described the situation in Gaza as a "human catastrophe." This approach could potentially help regain support from Democratic voters concerned about the administration's response to the conflict.
On Ukraine, Harris has been a staunch supporter of providing aid and has met with President Zelensky six times. She has warned that failing to support Ukraine would be a "gift" to Vladimir Putin and has criticized those who advocate for isolationism or embracing dictators.
Climate change is another area where Harris has taken a progressive stance. Her 2020 presidential campaign included ambitious climate pledges, such as a carbon tax and a ban on fracking. At the COP28 summit, she emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, stating, "This is a pivotal moment. Our action collectively – or, worse, our inaction – will impact billions of people for decades to come."
Lastly, Harris has been a vocal advocate for stricter gun laws. She has called for a ban on assault weapons and universal background checks. In a September 2023 speech, she stated, "Our nation is being torn apart by the tragedy of it all and torn apart by the fear and trauma that results from gun violence."
As the 2024 election approaches, Kamala Harris's positions on these key issues will likely play a crucial role in shaping the Democratic Party's platform and appeal to voters.