Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as a central figure in President Joe Biden’s campaign for reelection in 2024. Her role has significantly expanded since the beginning of the campaign, as she spearheads efforts to engage key voter demographics that were instrumental in the 2020 victory.
Harris has taken a leading role in advocating for abortion rights, a highly polarizing issue that Democrats believe will galvanize their base. She has denounced the restrictive abortion laws passed in over 21 states and has emphasized the importance of reproductive freedom.
Recognizing the potential loss of support among Black voters, Harris has focused on outreach efforts targeting this demographic. She recently launched a tour of battleground states to promote the administration’s economic policies aimed at addressing the needs of Black communities.
In addition, Harris has taken a more outspoken stance on the Gaza conflict than Biden himself. Drawing on her family’s background in activism, she has called for an immediate ceasefire and criticized Israel’s military actions.
Despite her elevated profile, Harris and her staff remain cautious, mindful of the negative press and criticism she has faced in the past. Her approval ratings remain low, similar to Biden’s.
Political analysts observe that Harris is effectively using her platform to resonate with specific voter groups, particularly on the issue of abortion rights. Her efforts are crucial as Biden seeks to avoid a repeat of the low voter turnout among Black communities that has been evident in recent elections. While the vice presidency is often viewed as a thankless job, Harris’s active engagement in the campaign demonstrates her significance as a potential successor if anything were to happen to Biden.
