Kamala Harris has been praised for leading a more moderate campaign to appeal to all Americans, but progressives say they are hoping to radicalize her if she defeats Donald Trump.
Harris was ranked as one of the most progressive senators during her brief tenure in the upper house of Congress, second only to Vermont’s self-proclaimed social democratic senator, Bernie Sanders.
He has defended the Green New Deal, fought for broad abortion rights, and loudly denounced the terrors of deportation and the construction of a border wall between the United States and Mexico.
However, these policies don’t work well in a presidential election, so Harris has focused on centrist issues such as improving tax breaks for small businesses, immigration reform, and lowering the cost of goods, including energy. .
Seeing this as a winning strategy, progressives have decided to bide their time and wait until Harris wins the White House before pushing her further to the left.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to people at an incident command center at Augusta Utilities, following Hurricane Helene, on October 2, 2024, in Augusta, Georgia. D.C. progressives have said they will pressure her to support left-wing priorities once the election is over.
“It’s about us getting organized and seeing how far we can take it once I win the presidency,” said progressive Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., a member of the ‘Squad.’ Washington Post of his efforts to force Harris to drop out after the election.
Omar, a devout supporter of Palestinians and outspoken opponent of Israel, said her “only issue” with Harris currently is the vice president’s support for Israel.
“My commitment to Israel’s security is unwavering,” the Democratic candidate said Tuesday.
Earlier that same day, the Jewish nation received a barrage of approximately 180 missiles fired from Iran.
Harris has largely agreed with President Joe Biden’s handling of the war, something that has irritated many progressives.
And keeping progressives motivated to participate in Harris’ candidacy is critical for Democrats to take power, ‘Squad’ leader Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told the Washington Post.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has had multiple calls with Kamala Harris since she was placed atop the Democratic presidential ticket. AOC said progressive policies are crucial to attracting younger voters, an important bloc of the Democratic electorate.
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., said she plans to push Kamala Harris to the left if she wins the White House in November.
“We’re not going to win constituencies and really get them to vote on pop culture alone; these are constituencies that are very motivated on substantive issues,” he said.
AOC also mentioned some areas where she would like to see Harris lean more left.
“I think expanding health care is vitally important and something I personally would love to see more of,” the New Yorker said.
House Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., highlighted how Harris needs to understand the party’s far left flank, particularly how crucial it is to securing the Democratic agenda.
“I think, I hope, and I hope that (Harris) understands how important progressives were to the Biden administration’s victories,” he said. “I hope you see how valuable that partnership and working together was.”
And that agenda can only be carried forward with a diverse range of liberal voices, Jayapal said.
Progressive Caucus Chairman Jayapal said who is on Harris’ staff will be critical in determining whether or not progressive goals are achieved.
“I think it’s important who you surround yourself with.”
“It’s important that she has a team like the president and a chief of staff like the president who really values progressives as part of the coalition.”
A Democratic strategist also told the Washington Post that the party will define specific priorities after November 5.
“I think a lot of people hold their nose because they do whatever it takes for you to win,” the strategist said.
“I have no doubt that they will confront each other after the election.”