Days before the Democratic National Convention, Vice-President Kamala Harris is gaining momentum with strong polls and vibrant rallies, according to BBC. However, beyond the excitement, where does she stand on key issues as the likely Democratic presidential nominee?
Though she hasn’t released a detailed platform yet, her past roles as California senator, prosecutor, and vice-president give a glimpse into her policy positions, as reported by BBC. Over time, some of these positions have shifted, with some critics arguing that she has struggled to clearly define her political stance.
To understand what her current policy agenda might be, BBC News reviewed her recent speeches and public statements, along with her political history. According to her campaign, her latest statements best reflect her intentions if she becomes president.
Harris’s team told BBC that she plans to build on the achievements of the Biden-Harris administration, which include beating Big Pharma, creating almost 16 million jobs, and passing the first bipartisan gun safety law in decades.
Below are Harris’s positions on 10 major issues:
Economy
BBC highlights that as a senator, Kamala Harris supported progressive policies like paid family leave, affordable housing, and free tuition for lower-income families. As vice-president, she has backed major economic legislation, including investments in infrastructure and green energy. Recently, she introduced an economic plan focusing on mortgage assistance for first-time homebuyers and inflation-targeted measures, such as banning price gouging in grocery stores. BBC notes that like Trump, she opposes taxing tips and emphasizes creating middle-class opportunities through what she calls an “opportunity economy.”
Immigration
Harris’s stance on immigration has evolved since her 2020 presidential run, according to BBC. Initially, she supported closing immigration detention centers. Later, as vice-president, she was tasked with managing the U.S. border crisis by addressing the root causes of migration. She worked to raise $3 billion from private companies to invest in Central American communities. Despite helping pass a bipartisan border security deal earlier this year, Trump opposed it, blaming the Biden administration’s border policies for chaos, according to BBC.
Abortion
BBC highlights Harris’s consistent support for abortion rights. She played a key role in making abortion central to the 2024 election and pledged to sign legislation restoring reproductive rights if Congress passes it. Harris has been endorsed by several prominent pro-choice advocacy groups.
NATO and Ukraine
BBC reports that Harris has been actively involved in international affairs, particularly supporting NATO and Ukraine. As vice-president, she reaffirmed U.S. support for Ukraine against Russia and has earned endorsements from U.S. foreign policy and national security experts.
Israel-Gaza War
Harris has long supported a two-state solution, but as vice-president, she was more critical of Israel during the Israel-Gaza war than Biden, calling for an immediate ceasefire and expressing concerns about Palestinian casualties. However, BBC notes that she has not endorsed an arms embargo on Israel and continues to support Israel’s right to defend itself.
Taxes
BBC notes that Harris has supported progressive tax policies in the past, including a corporate tax rate hike. Currently, she backs Biden’s proposal of not raising taxes on those earning less than $400,000.
Healthcare
Harris previously supported Medicare for All but has since shifted her stance. As vice-president, she helped reduce prescription drug costs and capped insulin prices. BBC reports that while she no longer pushes for a single-payer system, she supports Biden’s healthcare achievements.
Crime
BBC emphasizes that Harris has faced criticism from both the left and right for her record on crime. As a prosecutor, she was labeled “a cop” by some progressives, while the right accused her of being soft on crime. Harris has used her background as a prosecutor to draw a contrast with Trump, who faces criminal charges.
Climate
BBC notes that Harris has been an advocate for climate protection. As vice-president, she helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes substantial investments in renewable energy and electric vehicles. Though she once supported a ban on fracking, she reversed her position after entering the 2024 race.
Gun Laws
Harris has consistently supported gun safety regulations, as highlighted by BBC. She oversaw the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and promoted red-flag laws to keep firearms away from dangerous individuals.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx924r4d5yno