Last week, I outlined compelling reasons to vote against Donald Trump; this week, I present a case for advocating Vice President Kamala Harris as a strong candidate for the presidency. Starting from her broad experience, Harris boasts two decades of public service across varying government levels, including her roles as a prosecutor, California Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and Vice President. Throughout her career, she has effectively engaged with pressing issues like corporate pollution and housing foreclosures while being a stalwart advocate for reproductive rights and working-class policies. With her extensive experience in law and national security matters, including her position on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Harris has more government experience than many past presidents, making her a formidable candidate.
Beyond her resumé, Harris is recognized as a consensus-oriented pragmatist. Contrary to Trump’s portrayal of her as a radical, her approach encourages unification rather than division. Her past attempts to cater to the left during her presidential campaign were refined through her time as Vice President, and she has learned to build coalitions across the political spectrum. Endorsements from figures across party lines, including Republican leaders, showcase her ability to garner support. In a political environment where extremes on both sides often dominate, Harris’s unifying approach stands out as a refreshing alternative to Trump’s divisive tactics.
Harris’s commitment to placing competent public servants in her cabinet is vital, especially considering the chaos often associated with Trump’s administration. Unlike Trump, who has openly discussed gutting the nonpartisan civil service, Harris would ensure her administration operates on principles of accountability and respect for the Constitution. Her supporters, including former Justice Department officials, believe she would uphold justice as independent from personal political agendas, ensuring that ongoing legal matters surrounding Trump would progress fairly and objectively. In contrast, Trump’s penchant for using the Justice Department as a tool for personal vendettas raises concerns about the integrity of governance.
When examining fiscal policy, Harris promises to be a more prudent economic steward. While both candidates are likely to contribute to the growing federal debt, independent analyses suggest Harris’s proposed policies would be less costly and yield a better return on investment compared to Trump’s plans. Economists have predicted higher inflation and deficits under a prospective Trump presidency, whereas Harris has shown a commitment to maintaining inflation-adjusted wages and respecting the Federal Reserve’s autonomy, unlike Trump’s previous administration. This economic consideration is crucial as the nation navigates post-pandemic recovery.
Harris’s commitment to combating climate change also positions her at odds with Trump, who dismisses the issue and aims to dismantle significant clean energy investments made during the Biden administration. While she supports the development of fossil fuel projects, her policies will predominantly focus on clean energy subsidies, representing a balanced and forward-thinking approach. Not only would she prioritize environmental stewardship, but Harris would also reinforce U.S. leadership in international forums, maintaining alliances and commitments to democratic principles globally.
On the judicial front, Harris would likely continue President Biden’s legacy of appointing a diverse array of mainstream judges, contrasting sharply with Trump’s history of appointing far-right ideologues. This promise to select moderate judges fosters confidence that Harris would promote judicial balance rather than exacerbate partisan divides within the courts. Additionally, her character symbolizes a fundamental contrast with Trump; she has demonstrated integrity, transparency, and a commitment to putting the nation above partisan politics. Ultimately, Harris represents not just continuity from the Biden administration but also an opportunity for progress that breaks from the divisive politics embodied by Trump.
