Kamala Harris Poised to Bring a Modernized Presidency, Differing Perspectives to Washington

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
29/07/2024 22h45

WASHINGTON - If elected president in November, presumptive Democratic nominee Kamala Harris is bound to shake things up in the nation's capital with her unique perspective and modern approach to the presidency.

Although Harris is not expected to stray dramatically from normal Democratic policy stances, some of her former Senate colleagues anticipate that she will continue to prioritize the same areas where President Joe Biden has achieved success during his time in office.

However, given the differences between the two politicians in terms of age, life experiences, and priorities, a future President Harris is likely to forge her own path rather than simply following Biden's lead.

According to Moe Vela, a former senior advisor to Biden, Harris brings a fresh perspective and a more relaxed style to the job, signaling a modernization of the presidency. Vela praised her authenticity and ability to be herself, as well as her emphasis on issues such as abortion access, which she addresses in a way that Biden could not.

Susan Liebell, a political science professor at Saint Joseph's University, highlighted Harris' unique framing of abortion as a matter of freedom, using language that connects it to liberty and rejects government interference. This different approach sets Harris apart from other Democrats, including Biden.

Harris' personal experiences, including her background as a woman of color and former prosecutor, allow her to speak differently about improving economic opportunities for women and addressing the gaps that have been left unfilled for decades, according to Jocelyn Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families Action Fund.

As Harris prepares for the possibility of becoming president, her lack of decades-long experience in Washington is not seen as a detriment. Her colleagues, such as Sen. John Hickenlooper and Rep. Ro Khanna, believe that Harris surrounds herself with individuals who can provide the depth of policy knowledge she may lack.

Additionally, Harris' energy and spark are expected to resonate with the public, with some predicting that she will bring a seriousness to the job while also fostering engagement with Congress and the American people.

Harris has already shown her prowess as a questioner on Capitol Hill, gaining attention for her pointed inquiries during the confirmation hearing of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Her skill in getting to the root of issues is expected to carry over into her presidency.

While Republicans attempt to portray Harris as a continuation of Biden's policies, labeling her a "California liberal" and "full-blown left winger," supporters argue that her policy knowledge exceeds that of her opponents. They also highlight her unique background and personal connection to issues such as criminal justice reform and civil rights as factors that will drive her passion and commitment.

With her upbringing in California and her parents' immigrant backgrounds, Harris embodies the story of a "San Francisco liberal" that could only have unfolded in the Golden State, according to Dan Morain, author of the biography "Kamala's Way, An American Life." Her diverse heritage is expected to shape her approach to issues impacting marginalized communities.

As the race for the presidency heats up, Harris has approximately 100 days to dispel any doubts and reshape public opinion of her. While some skeptics may underestimate her, supporters warn that doing so would be a mistake, as she is a formidable and tenacious leader who has navigated her way to becoming the attorney general of the largest state in the nation.

In the end, if elected, Kamala Harris has the potential to usher in a modernized presidency and drive meaningful change with her distinct perspectives and experiences.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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