In her bid for the 2024 presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris is making deliberate efforts to set her own course, distinguishing herself from President Joe Biden on several critical issues, including immigration, crime, and oil production.
Harris has shown a readiness to back a route to citizenship on immigration, but she has not yet presented a detailed plan regarding asylum policy, an area for which Biden has received considerable criticism. Her reticence to take a firm stance on border enforcement reflects a departure from Biden’s more welcoming policies. This shift was underscored during a House Committee hearing when Republican legislators accused the administration of precipitating the “worst border crisis in American history.”
There’s also a noticeable gap between Harris and Biden on the topics of crime and oil production. Biden has sought energy compromises that permit some fossil fuel projects, whereas Harris initially proposed a ban on fracking and called for the complete phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies during her 2020 primary campaign. She is now adjusting her stance to align with voters’ environmental concerns, moving away from Biden’s moderate approach. Her earlier climate plan, which proposed ambitious targets such as a carbon tax, found favor among younger and progressive voters.
On crime, Harris’ approach is influenced by her tenure as California’s Attorney General. She upholds a hardline stance that appeals to a centrist base, thereby sidestepping Biden’s perceived leniency. Although her campaign has not unveiled a comprehensive crime plan, there are indications that it might deviate from Biden’s policies. While Harris has a reputation for being a “tough-on-crime” prosecutor, she has also advocated for criminal justice reforms such as a federal review board for police shootings and the abolition of cash bail in certain cases, setting her apart from Biden’s more moderate record. Her strategy seems to balance progressive reforms with practical crime solutions, potentially appealing to a wide range of voters concerned about public safety yet skeptical of overly punitive policies.
Harris is ensuring Biden’s influence remains secondary. Although Biden remains officially supportive, those close to the administration have observed a shift. It is reported that the West Wing is being more respectful towards the Vice President’s side, suggesting a hands-off stance from Biden’s team.
Harris’ transition to the campaign, which some have described as “hectic,” represents a definite departure from Biden’s strategy. After his unexpected withdrawal from the race, Harris swiftly moved to reorient and rename the campaign, leaving behind some of Biden’s more contentious policy points. While retaining key campaign staff, she is eager to break away cleanly and establish herself as an independent leader.
This strategy isn’t without risks. Harris’ decisions have already sparked speculation about her ability to attract Biden’s supporters without alienating those seeking a new direction. However, as her campaign gains traction, Harris seems determined to distance herself from the Biden era, particularly on issues where their policies have diverged significantly. Her strategy could be aimed at securing the progressive base while being cautious not to over-commit to Biden’s legacy.
