Vice President Kamala Harris is making a clear effort to carve out her own path as she embarks on her 2024 campaign. She is putting distance between herself and President Joe Biden on several key issues. As she takes the lead, she’s shifting away from some of the administration’s more controversial positions, notably immigration, crime, and oil production.
On immigration, Harris has expressed a willingness to support a path to citizenship but has yet to outline a concrete platform on asylum policy, for which Biden has faced criticism. By not committing to a stance on border enforcement, she’s signaling a cautious approach that diverges from Biden’s more open-door policies. During a House Committee hearing, Republican lawmakers accused the administration of having “created the worst border crisis in American history.”
Harris has also distanced herself from Biden on issues of crime and oil production. While Biden has aimed for energy compromises that still allow for some fossil fuel projects, Harris initially supported a ban on fracking and, during her 2020 primary bid, called for phasing out fossil fuel subsidies entirely. Now, she’s recalibrating to match voters’ environmental concerns without embracing Biden’s moderate approach. Her previous climate plan, which includes ambitious goals like a carbon tax, has found support among younger and progressive voters.
When it comes to crime, Harris appears to be mindful of her past as California’s Attorney General. She maintains a tough-on-crime stance that appeals to a more centrist base while avoiding the pitfalls of Biden’s perceived leniency. Her campaign has not yet released a detailed plan on crime, but there are indications that her approach may diverge from President Biden’s policies. While Harris has historically been known for her stance as a “tough-on-crime” prosecutor, she has also supported criminal justice reforms like a federal review board for police shootings and eliminating cash bail in some instances, which distinguishes her from Biden’s more moderate record. Her focus appears to be on balancing progressive reforms with practical measures to address crime, potentially appealing to a broader voter base concerned about public safety but wary of overly punitive policies.
Harris is taking steps to ensure Biden’s influence remains in the background. Although the former president remains officially supportive, sources close to the administration have noted a shift. The West Wing has reportedly been more deferential to the vice president’s side, indicating a hands-off approach from Biden’s team.
Harris’ campaign transition, described by some as “hectic,” has been a clear pivot from Biden’s strategy. Following his abrupt departure from the race, Harris moved quickly to rebrand and refocus the campaign under her name, leaving behind some of the more contentious elements of his agenda. While she has retained key campaign staffers, the changes reflect her desire to make a clean break and present herself as a leader in her own right.
The strategy is risky. Harris’ decisions have already stirred speculation about her ability to win over Biden’s supporters without alienating those who seek a different direction. However, as her campaign gains momentum, Harris appears committed to distancing herself from the Biden era, especially on issues where she’s diverged the most from his policies. Her approach may be aimed at capturing the progressive base, even as she remains wary of over-committing to Biden’s legacy.