With Sleepy Joe finally dropping out of the race (thank God), we have Kamala Harris representing the Democrats for the next presidential election. We could finally have our first female president, and with an incredible background like Harris’, TAC feels like the party is in very good hands. But what does Kamala bring to the table when it comes to political ideology? Will she aid in the division of the American public, or will she try to mend the ever widening gap between the two parties? America needs to know: Is Kamala Harris a centrist, or a party hard-liner?
Kamala Harris: The Centrist in the White House
Despite coming from a rich cultural background that could easily land her in the progressive party pool, Kamala Harris has often been labeled as a centrist within the Democratic Party. This characterization is rooted in her policy positions, political strategy, and the nuanced approach she has taken throughout her career. Here’s an in-depth look at why Kamala Harris can be considered a centrist.
1. Policy Positions
Healthcare:
Harris has expressed support for universal healthcare but has also taken a pragmatic stance on how to achieve it. Initially, she co-sponsored Bernie Sanders’ “Medicare for All” bill but later clarified her position, suggesting a role for private insurance within the system. This balancing act highlights her centrist approach, aiming to expand access to healthcare while maintaining some elements of the current system.
Criminal Justice Reform:
As a former prosecutor and California Attorney General, Harris has a complex record on criminal justice. She has championed progressive reforms like decriminalizing marijuana and advocating for bail reform. However, she has also supported tough-on-crime policies earlier in her career, such as truancy laws and the death penalty in certain cases. Her stance reflects a centrist viewpoint, attempting to balance public safety with necessary reforms.
Economic Policy:
Harris’ economic policies often blend progressive ideals with pragmatic solutions. She supports raising the minimum wage and expanding tax credits for working families but stops short of endorsing more radical economic restructuring. Her tax policy proposals, which include taxing the wealthy to fund social programs, aim to address income inequality without fully embracing the far-left’s redistributive policies.
2. Political Strategy
Coalition Building:
Harris’ political career demonstrates her ability to build broad coalitions. As a Senator, she has worked with both progressive and moderate Democrats, as well as occasionally with Republicans. This approach is emblematic of centrism, where the focus is on finding common ground and achieving incremental progress rather than pushing for sweeping changes that might be more divisive.
Campaign Messaging:
During her 2020 presidential campaign, Harris positioned herself as a candidate who could appeal to a wide range of voters. Her messaging often focused on unity and pragmatism, emphasizing solutions that could garner bipartisan support. This centrist rhetoric is designed to resonate with a broad electorate, including independents and moderate Republicans disillusioned with their party.
3. Nuanced Approach
Adaptability:
Harris’ ability to adapt her positions based on feedback and changing political landscapes is a hallmark of centrism. For instance, her shift on healthcare policy reflects a willingness to adjust her stance to align with public sentiment and political feasibility. This adaptability allows her to navigate the complex political environment and achieve tangible results.
Balancing Act:
Throughout her career, Harris has managed to balance progressive ideals with pragmatic governance. This balancing act is evident in her vice presidency, where she often serves as a bridge between the more progressive wing of the Democratic Party and the moderate Biden administration. Her role involves advocating for progressive policies while ensuring they are implemented in a way that is practical and politically viable.
Conclusion
Kamala Harris embodies centrism through her policy positions, political strategy, and nuanced approach to governance. Her ability to balance progressive aspirations with pragmatic solutions makes her a key figure in the Biden administration and a representative of the moderate wing of the Democratic Party. As she continues to navigate the challenges of her vice presidency, Harris’ centrist stance is likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of American politics.
The American Centrist 
