Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States, has reportedly been advising President Joe Biden on matters she feels strongly about and seeking to distinguish herself from him on others, according to a new report. This deliberate crafting of her image showcases how Harris hopes to define her political identity within the first term of the Biden administration.
Harris, who previously served as California’s attorney general and U.S. senator, is said to be particularly focused on areas such as criminal justice reform and voting rights. Both of these topics are contentious issues in America’s current political climate, and Harris’s focus could potentially mark a departure from Biden’s traditional stances.
For instance, Harris’s supporters want her to push Biden further left on criminal justice reform. While Biden has taken steps towards criminal justice reform, such as banning private prisons at the federal level, Harris’s supporters believe she could be a driving force for change.
On the topic of voting rights, Harris has served as an outspoken supporter of reforms. Recently, she has been playing a key role in advocating for the Biden administration’s voting rights bill, prompting analysts to speculate whether there could be disagreements between her and Biden.
On the other hand, some Biden policies that Harris’s supporters believe she should uphold include his approach to COVID-19 relief and economic recovery. Biden has been praised for his swift action on COVID-19 relief and his plans for economic recovery, making these policies popular among his supporters and those of Harris.
However, Harris’s camp also apparently believes that she needs to create distance between herself and Biden on certain issues. The exact nature of these disagreements is not mentioned in the reports, but it’s clear that Harris is looking to build her political identity separate from Biden’s.
This kind of discreet positioning is not uncommon among vice presidents, especially those who may have future presidential ambitions. During their term, they often carve out areas where they can make a significant impact and distinguish themselves from their president. So Harris’s actions seem to be well within the standard scope for her role.
In conclusion, political pundits will be observing closely to see how Harris continues to shape her political image within the Biden administration and carve out differences while also maintaining a united front with the administration. Her approach could have potentially significant implications not just for her future but also for the broader Democratic Party.
