Kamala Harris has certainly been a household name in American politics since President Joe Biden announced his decision not to run for reelection. Approval ratings regarding her are polarised, swinging from one extreme to the other, and there are a number of reasons for this mix of admiration and criticism. The article will focus on the primary drivers of both her popularity and unpopularity, together with her stand on some chosen issues: abortion, immigration, Ukraine, and Israel.
Popularity factors
Kamala Harris built a constituency for a few reasons.
- Historic firsts: She was the very first lady Vice President, first Black Vice President, and the first individual of South Asian origin to assume this position—thereby making her a symbol of a huge milestone in American history. To many, Harris embodies and symbolizes the breakthroughs and diversity that characterize one aspect of modern American politics.
- Advocacy for Women’s Rights: She had always been vocal about women’s rights, most especially on reproductive health. Her staunch opinion about abortion rights raised very strong sentiments across a large number of voters in the election who were focused on these issues.
- Progressive policies: Her strict stance on social justice, health care, and climate change has a number of progressive policies that would appeal to young voters and are expected to revolutionize the system.
- Charismatic presence: Harris is viewed by many as approachable and charismatic, able to connect with different demographics. The ability to express her views with passion has granted her a quite devoted constituency.
Discontent and criticism
Despite all of her popularity, Harris encounters much criticism:
- Lack of conviction: Critics argue that Harris is not ideologically firm. Her positions mostly characterize her as a middle-of-the-road moderate rather than a firebrand progressive. This can be alienating to the more left-leaning voters who desire a stronger commitment to progressive values.
- Immigration policy: Harris has become a lightening rod on immigration policy, offending some on both the left and the right. Charged with stopping migration at its sources, Harris told potential migrants, “Do not come,” a response that many on the left have panned as hostile and lacking in empathy or any recognition of the real complexities of immigration.
- Foreign policy stance: Her foreign policy positions, to many, have been too aligned with those of Biden and thus not very assertive at all, especially when it concerns Israel and Ukraine. Critics remark that she has reacted mildly to humanitarian crises.
- Approval ratings: Recent polls show Harris pegged at an approval rating of around 39%, while those disapproving of her are at 52%. This stark division sets the tone for contrasting views on her leadership and policies.
Kamala Harris stance issues
Abortion
Kamala Harris has consistently stood up for women’s right to an abortion throughout her political career. As a Senator, she cosponsored legislation to ensure reproductive rights and angrily criticized the Supreme Court for deciding to abolish Roe v. Wade. Harris insists that basically, at the core of the access of a woman to an abortion, it is a question of personal freedom and autonomy. “We have to be a nation that trusts women”.
Immigration
Harris has been tasked with the root causes of migration from Central America. She has been consistent in pushing for economic investment in these regions but has faced criticism because part of her message has been to tell potential migrants not to come to the U.S. Critics say that this approach fails to acknowledge desperate circumstances that are forcing people to move. Harris says America is a nation of immigrants, pushing for a compassionate and urgent response to immigration issues.
Ukraine
Harris expressed her very strong support for Ukraine against Russia by declaring the actions taken by Russia “crimes against humanity.” She said the United States remained committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that America had an obligation to support Ukraine despite surging inflation and mounting economic troubles back home.
Israel
Harris’s stance regarding Israel has been nuanced. She backs the right of Israel to self-defense but does not turn a blind eye to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Harris called for a temporary truce and admonished Israel over doing too little to ease suffering, thereby indicating the possible willingness to follow a more balanced policy in U.S.-Israel relations than her predecessor.
Kamala Harris is one of the most polarizing figures across the American political scene, inspirational and frustrating to too many voters. Her vice presidency, historic in nature, comes with a strong defense of women’s rights and progressive policies—some reasons she is admired by so many. At the same time, her perceived lack of conviction, position on immigration, and foreign policy stances have further muddled things in terms of her public image. How Harris meets these challenges as she gears up for the 2024 presidential run will be a determinant of legacy and prospects at the ballot.
