Malcolm Rivera
Should I vote for Kamala Harris? This is a question that many Americans have asked themselves, especially in the context of the 2024 presidential election, where she was the Democratic Party's nominee. While some voters may have been motivated by their support for Harris's policies and personal integrity, others may have voted for her simply because she was not her opponent, Donald Trump.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Political Party | Democratic Party |
| Election Year | 2024 |
| Election Outcome | Lost to Donald Trump |
| Supporters | 49% of voters |
| Supporters (Demographics) | Idealists, people concerned with "rights" and "equality", Democrats, "Never Trump" Republicans |
| Policies | Supports abortion rights, common-sense gun safety measures, comprehensive immigration reform, tackling climate change, government-funded social safety net, banning fracking |
| Personal Characteristics | Middle-class biracial background, rose through the ranks of public office, tough on crime, supports police, respects science and medicine |
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What You'll Learn
Kamala Harris's stance on abortion rights
Kamala Harris has been a vocal supporter of reproductive rights and abortion rights throughout her career. She has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood, and in 2019, she received a 100% "choice rating" by NARAL: Pro-Choice America. Harris has made abortion rights a key part of her work on the campaign trail, and her frank talk about abortion and its impact on women's health has been noted by experts as a potential turning point in the national conversation.
Harris has promised that, if elected president, she will work with Congress to enact federal protections for abortion and sign legislation that codifies abortion rights, invalidates state bans and restrictions, and ends discriminatory barriers to abortion care. She has also committed to using every executive tool available to protect and expand access to abortion and contraceptive care. Harris's stance on abortion could be a significant factor in the 2024 election, as voters have repeatedly demonstrated their support for abortion rights since Roe v. Wade was overturned.
During Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court hearings in 2018, Harris questioned the nominee about his views on abortion and abortion access. She also warned that the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court may spell trouble for abortion rights due to her record of opposing abortion and reproductive rights. As a prosecutor, Harris has a record of being tough on crime and standing with the police. However, some critics argue that she needs to provide a clearer reason for voters to choose her over other candidates.
In summary, Kamala Harris has a strong stance in support of abortion rights and has made it a central issue in her campaign. She has promised to take bold action to ensure that everyone can access abortion care if they need it, regardless of their personal circumstances or location. Harris's position on abortion rights is expected to energize voters, especially in key battleground states. Her willingness to speak frankly and unapologetically about abortion and women's health sets her apart and could be a pivotal factor in the election.
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Harris's plans for immigration reform
In terms of immigration reform, Harris has outlined a plan to crack down on asylum claims and extend restrictions. She plans to increase the number of asylum officers and judges to reduce backlogs and ensure the timely processing of cases. This would likely lead to faster case processing times and could result in expanded protections for asylum seekers, particularly those fleeing persecution. Harris's approach to immigration reform blends a firm stance on border security with humanitarian reforms. She has also expressed a desire to reverse some of the more restrictive measures introduced during the Trump administration.
Harris has been criticised for her stance on immigration, with some arguing that she focuses on more aggressive legal enforcement and moves away from the progressive immigration reforms that President Joe Biden promised. However, she has also endorsed comprehensive immigration reform, seeking pathways to citizenship for immigrants in the US without legal status. She has also prioritised a faster track for people living in the country illegally who arrived as children.
Harris's presidency could see new legislation aimed at balancing border security with humanitarian concerns. She is expected to use both legislative efforts and executive orders to implement her immigration policies. Given the potential for congressional gridlock, she may rely on executive actions to advance key reforms, particularly in areas like asylum processing and legal immigration pathways.
Harris has also stated that she will protect public lands and public health, lower household energy costs, and hold polluters accountable to secure clean air and water.
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Harris's ability to bridge divides
Kamala Harris's ability to bridge divides has been a topic of discussion and speculation, with varying opinions on her effectiveness in this area. In her role as Vice President, Harris has faced challenges in uniting different factions. For instance, during the 2024 election cycle, protests emerged that questioned Harris's ability to bridge the gap between antiwar demonstrators and the establishment regarding Israel's war on Palestine. Harris affirmed her support for Israel's right to self-defence while also advocating for a Gaza ceasefire. This stance received mixed responses, with some praising her efforts and others criticising her for not doing enough to oppose the pipeline of weapons to the Israeli military.
Harris's track record as a prosecutor and her stance on public safety have been highlighted as areas where she has demonstrated an ability to bridge divides. As a prosecutor, she not only focused on putting criminals away but also on preventing repeat offending, showcasing a balanced approach to criminal justice. Additionally, during her time as a district attorney, she promoted criminal justice reform and voiced opposition to the death penalty.
Harris's personal background and political positions might also contribute to her ability to bridge divides. As a member of a middle-class biracial family, she might be able to connect with a diverse range of voters. Her political stances, such as supporting reproductive rights, common-sense gun safety measures, and comprehensive immigration reform, could appeal to a broad spectrum of voters who value these issues.
However, critics like Democratic strategist James Carville have argued that Harris did not provide a compelling reason for people to vote for her during her 2024 presidential campaign. Carville attributed her election loss to a lack of motivation and persuasion, suggesting that voters did not find a strong enough reason to choose her over Trump. This perspective highlights the importance of offering a clear and compelling message that resonates with voters, which may be an area where Harris needs to improve to effectively bridge divides and gain broader support.
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Harris's background and rise to power
Kamala Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, US, to an Indian biologist mother, Shyamala Gopalan, and an Afro-Jamaican economist father, Donald J. Harris. Both her parents were enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, where they met in 1962 as part of a Black student group. They married in 1963, and their first daughter, Kamala, was born the following year. The family lived in Berkeley until around Kamala's second birthday in 1966, after which they moved to college towns in the Midwest where both parents held teaching or research positions. By 1970, the marriage had ended, and Kamala's mother moved back to Berkeley with her two daughters.
Kamala Harris attended Vanier College in Montreal in 1981–1982 and then Howard University, a historically black university in Washington, D.C., where she graduated with a degree in political science and economics in 1986. She then attended the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 1989. Harris's career in law and politics began in 1990 when she was hired as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California. In 1994, she was appointed to the state Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board and later to the California Medical Assistance Commission. In 2003, Harris won a tough race to become the District Attorney of San Francisco, and in 2004, she was elected to the position. She went on to serve two terms and worked to hold corporations accountable and protect the state's most vulnerable people.
In 2011, Harris became California's attorney general, the first African-American and first woman to serve in this role. In 2017, she was sworn in as a United States Senator for California, the second African-American woman and the first South Asian-American senator in history. Harris served as the 49th vice president of the United States from 2021 to 2025 in the administration of President Joe Biden, becoming the first woman, the first Black American, and the first Asian American to hold the office. In July 2024, after Biden withdrew his candidacy from the 2024 presidential election, Harris launched her own campaign and became the Democratic Party's nominee. She was defeated by the Republican nominee, former president Donald Trump.
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Harris's stance on gun safety
Kamala Harris, the current Vice President of the United States, has a history of advocating for gun safety and seeking to reduce gun violence. During her career, Harris has held several law enforcement roles, including District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, and United States Senator.
Harris has been a vocal supporter of common-sense gun laws and has prioritised the safety of women and families from domestic violence and gun violence. She has also been a proponent of tougher gun laws, such as banning assault weapons, conducting universal background checks, and implementing red flag laws. Harris has also called for closing the "boyfriend loophole" and prohibiting stalkers from purchasing or possessing firearms.
In 2024, Harris oversaw the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, established by the Biden Administration in 2023. Her priorities in this role included strengthening background checks and increasing support for survivors and victims of gun violence. That same year, she announced the launch of the first-ever National Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Resource Center, demonstrating her commitment to red flag laws.
Harris has also been open about her personal gun ownership, stating that she owns a gun for personal safety and has experience as a prosecutor. She has emphasised that she is not in favour of taking away people's guns but has faced criticism for her shifting policy positions. Harris has also dropped her previous support for a buyback programme for assault weapons.
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Frequently asked questions
Kamala Harris was the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to be elected as Vice President. Harris has promised to be "a president for all Americans," supporting a diverse range of people in the country. She also supports abortion rights, solving gun violence, and protecting the freedom to vote.
Some critics have called Harris "Comrade Kamala," suggesting that her supporters are brainwashed. She has also received criticism for refusing to condemn the genocide and continuing to support Israel. Additionally, some believe that Harris is a terrible candidate, citing her "word salad" and a lack of clear stances on certain issues.
Kamala Harris is a member of the Democratic Party and served as Vice President under President Joe Biden from 2021 until 2025. She was also a candidate in the 2024 presidential election.
