What has Kamala Harris achieved as vice president?

Vice President Kamala Harris has had a significant impact during her time in office, despite the challenges of stepping into a role often overshadowed by the president. Following President Biden’s announcement that he would not seek re-election in 2024, Harris has taken the spotlight as the potential leader of the Democratic Party, aiming to become the party's nominee. Biden’s full support of Harris set the stage for a rigorous campaign to unite the party and defeat Donald Trump, although securing the nomination is not guaranteed.

Proving herself in a tough role

Harris faces the challenge of establishing herself as an independent leader after four years as Biden's second-in-command. Vice presidents often struggle to shine in a position designed for support, not the spotlight. Previous VPs have also faced difficulties in making their mark, but Harris' record will be under even more scrutiny as she seeks the nomination. Over the past four years, she has taken on some of the administration's most critical and controversial issues, working on abortion rights, immigration, voting rights, and more.

Advocacy for abortion rights

Abortion rights have become a cornerstone of Harris' political identity, especially after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Harris took the lead in promoting reproductive rights, using the issue to energize Democratic voters during the 2022 midterms. She met with lawmakers from 18 states and gave a passionate speech at her alma mater, Howard University, as Biden announced his 2024 candidacy. Her focus on abortion rights extended to a historic visit to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota, where she emphasized the need for greater access to reproductive healthcare. Harris' active stance on the issue continues to resonate with many Democratic voters, positioning her as a strong advocate for women's rights.

Addressing the immigration crisis

President Biden tasked Harris with addressing the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border early in her term. However, her handling of the issue has been criticized by Republicans and Democrats alike, particularly due to her delayed visit to the border. Despite these setbacks, Harris has made efforts to tackle the root causes of migration through her Central America Forward initiative. The initiative secured over $4.2 billion in private sector commitments to create jobs and improve conditions in Central America, with the goal of curbing mass migration. Although the initiative has shown promise, many remain skeptical about its long-term impact on immigration.

Leading the fight for voting rights

Harris also took the lead on the administration's efforts to protect voting rights, pushing for the passage of the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. This legislation aimed to strengthen voting protections by restoring elements of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Harris worked closely with civil rights leaders and lawmakers, building coalitions to advocate for the bill. However, the legislation faced strong opposition in Congress, particularly from key Democratic senators, and ultimately failed to pass. This setback reflects some of the larger struggles Harris has faced as Vice President—dedication to critical issues but falling short due to political obstacles.

Support from party leaders and donors

In the wake of Biden's endorsement of Harris, prominent Democrats have rallied behind her. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi described Harris as "brilliantly astute" and the best person to defeat Trump in the 2024 election. Several high-profile governors, including J.B. Pritzker, Gretchen Whitmer, and Wes Moore, also endorsed Harris, providing crucial support as she embarks on her campaign for the Democratic nomination. Harris has garnered substantial financial backing as well, with her campaign raising over $100 million in the first few days after Biden’s announcement. This outpouring of support highlights the belief among many Democrats that Harris is the right candidate to lead the party and the nation.

What lies ahead for Kamala Harris

While Harris has received endorsements from party leaders and raised significant funds, she still faces the challenge of convincing the broader Democratic electorate that she is the best choice for president. She needs to secure delegate support through the Democratic nomination process, which could involve a virtual roll call or a contested convention. The next few months will be crucial as Harris continues to define her leadership and vision for the country while fending off potential challengers.

Kamala Harris has taken on several of the administration’s most critical and challenging issues during her vice presidency. Her handling of abortion rights, immigration, and voting rights has positioned her as a strong advocate for progressive values, but she faces an uphill battle in securing the Democratic nomination for president in 2024. With the backing of prominent Democrats and donors, Harris is poised to make a serious bid for the presidency, but the road ahead remains uncertain.