Vice President Kamala Harris is stepping into the spotlight, facing a critical test on foreign policy as she seeks to claim the Democratic presidential nomination. With President Biden’s extensive experience overshadowing her, Harris’s foreign policy credentials are under intense scrutiny, particularly from Republicans who see this as a significant vulnerability.
Throughout her tenure, Harris has had limited opportunities to forge her own foreign policy path, often traveling the globe on Biden’s behalf rather than leading with her initiatives. As a former prosecutor, her approach to global crises is expected to be marked by a tenacity honed in courtrooms. However, critics argue that her lack of direct foreign policy experience could be a substantial weakness if she were to become Commander in Chief.
Republicans have been quick to highlight what they see as Harris’s shortcomings. Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the Trump campaign, stated, “Kamala Harris has zero foreign policy experience aside from supporting Joe Biden’s weak agenda that has emboldened our adversaries, led to war in Ukraine, and enabled Iranian-backed terrorists to attack Israel.” Leavitt called Harris “dangerously liberal” and suggested that her leadership would make America less safe.
Harris’s approach to global issues has so far mirrored Biden’s stance, with strong support for Ukraine and a hard line on China. However, her critics argue that she lacks the deep, personal relationships and historical knowledge that Biden brings to international diplomacy. Biden’s long-standing connections with leaders such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin have shaped his rigid views on many global issues.
Aides and allies of Harris argue that her background as a lawyer and prosecutor gives her a unique perspective on foreign policy, emphasizing her ability to challenge assumptions and seek new solutions. Nancy McEldowney, Harris’s national security adviser for her first year in office, praised her for bringing “a searing intellect, really sound judgment and gut instinct” to the role.
However, Republicans remain unconvinced. They point to Harris’s role in the administration’s handling of migration from Central America, which they label a failure. Harris was assigned to address the root causes of migration, a task that has seen little success in stemming the tide of migrants to the U.S. border. Republicans have dubbed her the administration’s “border czar” and blame her for the ongoing crisis at the southern border.
Moreover, Harris’s communication struggles have also been a point of contention. Her tough remarks to would-be migrants during a trip to Mexico and Guatemala—telling them “Do not come”—drew criticism from progressive Democrats. Additionally, a widely panned interview with NBC News in which she appeared exasperated when asked about visiting the southern border further fueled doubts about her foreign policy acumen.
On the issue of Ukraine, while Harris has supported the administration’s stance, she has not driven policy. Aides say she has played a crucial role in key moments, such as persuading Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to prepare for war just days before Russia’s full-scale invasion. However, critics argue that her assurances to European leaders have often fallen short, with some viewing her approach as more condescending than practical.
The conflict in Gaza presents another significant challenge for Harris. While Biden has provided substantial military support to Israel, Harris has voiced sharper criticism of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling the war a “humanitarian catastrophe.” This stance has given hope to some critics of the administration’s Israel policy but has also raised concerns about her ability to maintain strong support for Israel.
As the 2024 election approaches, Harris’s foreign policy credentials will be heavily scrutinized. Republicans, led by Trump, will continue to highlight her perceived weaknesses, arguing that her leadership would make America more vulnerable. The stakes are high, and Harris must navigate these challenges to prove that she can lead on the global stage.