In recent weeks, Vice President Kamala Harris has taken center stage, diverging from President Biden‘s approach to address pressing issues. From engaging with rapper Fat Joe on marijuana laws to visiting an abortion clinic and advocating for a Gaza ceasefire, Harris has assumed a more assertive role.
As Biden faces criticism from progressive Democrats over his stance on Israel and polls depict a tight race against Republican opponent Donald Trump, Harris has stepped up to galvanize support and tackle contentious topics head-on.
While Biden emphasizes abortion rights with a focus on cases where lives are at risk, Harris has been more vocal, emphasizing abortion as a fundamental aspect of women’s healthcare during a visit to Planned Parenthood.
She articulated the importance of services like fibroid treatment, breast cancer screenings, and contraceptive care, alongside abortion services.
During a visit to Selma, Alabama, Harris made a significant statement regarding Israel’s offensive against Hamas, calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Her use of the term “ceasefire” resonated with left-leaning Democrats seeking a more empathetic approach to the conflict, though some demanded tangible policy changes to accompany her words.
Despite criticism from some quarters, Harris’s aides maintain that her actions reflect a difference in tone rather than policy, stemming from her long-standing interests, including her tenure as a prosecutor.
However, challenges loom large for Harris as she faces complex issues assigned by Biden, from migration to voting rights. Winning back fractured segments of the Democratic coalition poses another significant hurdle.
While Harris’s approval ratings hover below 40%, she remains one of the Democratic Party’s most popular figures after Biden. However, protests at some of her events underscore growing discontent among certain groups.
