In a recent flurry of activity, Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged from the shadow of President Joe Biden, taking on a series of high-profile engagements aimed at rallying the diverse coalition of voters that brought them to the White House.
From discussions on marijuana law reform with rapper Fat Joe at the White House to visits to an abortion clinic and calls for a ceasefire in Gaza at the historic Selma bridge in Alabama, Harris has tackled a range of contentious issues head-on.
As left-leaning voters question Biden's age and leadership, Harris is taking on more heated topics, more often and more directly than Biden. https://t.co/NT7GWDWXij
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) March 31, 2024
Her stepped-up role comes amid mounting pressure on the Biden administration from progressive Democrats and tightening poll numbers against Republican rival Donald Trump.
While Biden faces scrutiny over his age and leadership, Harris, at 59, has been tackling thornier topics with increasing frequency and directness.
Some critics have previously questioned her effectiveness as vice president, but Harris has now taken center stage in the administration's efforts to court voters for a potential second term.
In her recent engagements, Harris has not shied away from controversial topics. During a visit to an abortion clinic in Minneapolis, believed to be the first by a sitting vice president, she spoke passionately about abortion as a fundamental aspect of women's healthcare despite significant pushback from pro-life groups.
In Selma, she made some of the most forceful comments by any U.S. official regarding Israel's actions in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging Israel to address what she termed a "humanitarian catastrophe" in the region.
While Harris' remarks have been met with applause by some, others have called for concrete policy changes to accompany her rhetoric, claiming she has failed to follow through with Democrats.
Despite these challenges, Harris remains a key figure in the administration's efforts to rally support for Biden. The president has entrusted her with issues such as immigration and voting rights, as well as winning back segments of the fractured Democratic coalition, with Trump continuing to gain traction in nationwide polls.
.As Harris continues to navigate these challenges, she faces both vocal support and vocal dissent. While Biden has backed her, Harris must contend with protests and criticism at some of her public events, along with her ongoing gaffes and low approval rating.
Her role as vice president continues to seek any advantage as Democrats face a tough battle to convince voters Biden deserves another four years along with Harris providing her own negatives to the campaign.
