Kamala Harris’ Stance on 10 Key Issues
by Kayla Grant
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September 11, 2024

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Kamala Harris’ Stance on 10 Key Issues

Vice President Kamala Harris didn’t anticipate accepting the presidential nomination from the Democratic party just a few months ago. However, after President Joe Biden dropped his bid for candidacy, she rose to the occasion and got to work. 

The announcement of her presidential run in July was historic, marked by renewed hope and excitement from her party. Similar to Harris, her supporters didn’t miss a beat despite the swift switch. The campaign smashed the fundraising record, raising more than $81 million within 24 hours of her announcement. Community organizers followed the blueprint of Win With Black Women and planned giant Zoom calls to discuss their voting plans and call delegates to ask for their support.

 

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Despite the explosive support from the former Democratic presidents, GOP officials, and party members, Harris and her running mate Governor Tim Walz’s fight for the White House is far from over. Now, more than a month into her campaign and with the Democratic National Convention and first debate under her belt, Harris still has to prove herself to undecided American voters.

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The magnitude of this election is intensifying, as voting season nears. With human rights at jeopardy and potential Supreme Court justice vacancies, each vote matters, and there’s still time to register ahead of the big day. Eligible adults still can sign up to vote, as the deadline in some states is up to 30 days before election day. 

With some states starting to vote as early as September, it’s imperative to know all of the facts to make an informed decision and have your voice heard. Ahead of the November election, here’s everything you need to know about where Harris’ stands on the country’s top issues.

Women’s Right to Choose

Harris unapologetically stands with women and aims to preserve their right to choose. Throughout her political career, she consistently fought for women’s rights. As a senator, she co-sponsored legislation banning states from putting restrictions on abortion rights. She also voted against a bill that would stop abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy

As vice president, she continued to vocalize her support for women. “Simply put, [Donald Trump and his allies] are out of their minds,” she said addressing women’s rights during her DNC speech. “One must ask: Why exactly is it that they don’t trust women? Well, we trust women, … and when Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom, as President of the United States, I will proudly sign it.”

 

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Advocating for Human Rights

With the looming threat of Project 2025, there are many civil liberties at stake. Harris always takes time to remind everyone that she is “for the people.” From the freedom to love openly with pride to the right to clean air and fresh water, Harris promises to fight for human rights for all, regardless of political affiliation. 

“To be clear, my entire career, I’ve only had one client: the people,” Harris said. “I promise to be a President for all Americans, and you can always trust me to put country above party and self.”

Building a Strong Middle Class

Harris grew up in a middle class family with a strict budget. Building a strong and growing middle class is a personal goal of hers — one that she says will be a “defining goal of my presidency.”  

In a Harris administration, she would work to foster an “opportunity economy,” where everyone has the chance to succeed. She plans to create more jobs by bringing together workers and business owners, lower the cost of everyday items and grant tax breaks to the working class.  

Stronger, Yet Humane Border Security 

At the DNC, Harris pledged to bring back the bipartisan border security bill that was endorsed by the U.S. Border Patrol union and sign it into law. 

“I refuse to play politics with our security,” Harris said. “I know, we can live up to our proud heritage as a nation of immigrants and reform our broken immigration system. We can create an earned pathway to citizenship and secure our border.”

The bill found a middle ground for both Republicans and Democrats, as it promised tougher regulations  and more aid to countries, like Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan.

Student Loan Debt

A major running point for the Biden-Harris administration surrounded student loans. Americans owe $1.74 trillion in federal and private student loan debt. These repayments have been crippling many people for decades, due to the high interest, monthly cost and more. 

This administration has made good on their promise by lowering monthly payments and forgiving $168.5 billion in student debt for 4.76 million borrowers. Harris vows to continue this legacy and fight for student debt forgiveness. 

“@POTUS and I have canceled nearly $170 billion in student debt for almost 5 million Americans,” Harris wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We are also fighting to defend our SAVE Plan, which has lowered payments for millions of Americans. We won’t stop fighting to build an economy that works for every American.”


The Space and AI Race 

Since the onset of the technological boom, countries have been racing to lead its development. Harris asserts that she will help maintain America’s status in the world. 

“I will make sure that we lead the world into the future on space and artificial intelligence,” she said. “That America – not China – wins the competition for the 21st century and that we strengthen, not abdicate our global leadership.”

As vice president, she has proven that she will usher in this new era, while prioritizing the safety of the American people. The Biden administration passed an executive order with safety regulations on artificial intelligence development. 

Climate Change

Dating back to her years as district attorney and later attorney general in San Francisco, climate change has always sat at the center of Harris’ political career. From suing oil giants to being an early co-sponsor of the Green New Deal, Harris never wavered on her stance, even as vice president. Instead, she doubled down on her fight and made it clear that she wouldn’t stop advocating for the right to clean air and water, free of pollution, during her DNC speech.  

Lower Healthcare Costs

In her address at the DNC, Harris mentioned that everyone has the right to lower healthcare costs. Health policy expert Sabrina Corlette told NBC News that she believes a Harris administration would work to protect Affordable Healthcare and extend subsidies designed to lower costs. 

Harris’ recent actions and history reaffirms her words. She signed on to the Medicare for All Act of 2019, which is ultimately designed to expand Medicare and end private insurance. 

 

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Stricter Gun Laws

Harris believes that Americans have the right to “live safe from gun violence in our schools, communities and places of worship.” Since 2023, she has overseen the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and been the face of many of the administration’s efforts. In March, she announced the National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center, which supports the enforcement of state red flag laws.

Both Harris and Walz believe in the second amendment right to bear arms. However, they agree on the need for more regulations, including universal background checks.

Foreign Affairs

Foreign affairs are taking a front-row seat in American politics this election season. Harris addressed voters’ specific concerns, like the Israel-Hamas war and the Ukraine war, at the DNC, promising to help our neighbors recognize their rights to dignity and freedom. 

She also refuses to “cozy up to tyrants and dictators,” stating that she is fighting for democracy.

“I will not cozy up to tyrants and dictators, like Kim Jong Un, who are rooting for Trump,” Harris said during her DNC speech. “As president, I will never waver in defense of America’s security and ideals because in the enduring struggle between democracy and tyranny, I know where I stand and I know where the United States belongs.”

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