Kamala Harris is betting on bipartisanship in 2024, hoping to win over Republicans, but is this a political gamble she can afford? Or will it backfire as Election Day approaches? Spoiler alert: it’s too risky. 

Harris’s bipartisanship efforts seem to be a calculated risk, hoping to reach moderate Republicans who are dissatisfied with Donald Trump. However, her stance on the Israel-Hamas war and shift on immigration stances raised concerns among key Democratic and progressive voters.

Her strategy is overly optimistic in a hyper-polarized climate, expecting Republicans to meet her halfway feels like wishful thinking. As she works to attract these moderate conservatives, will she risk losing the momentum and enthusiasm of progressives who once championed her?

In Flint, Michigan, Harris said she would work with Republicans on behalf of all Americans to stand up to the extremes in both parties. At the Arizona campaign event, Harris shared a more in-depth sentiment. Since then, many have accused the Democratic Party, under her leadership, of becoming too closely aligned with Republicans. Some have even questioned whether she can maintain Democratic loyalty and ideals while appeasing the right.

And I agree — it’s completely silly for Harris to try attracting Republicans by adopting Republican stances on things like the border. If the ultimate goal is to win over this coalition of voters by promising Republicans to be in your council, then what’s the point of voting for a Democrat when you could just elect a Republican instead?

Here’s the thing: in some ideal world, a fair and balanced bipartisanship government would be great, but that’s not our current political reality. That is not our America. Today, extreme polarization and partisanship dominate, with past election cycles urging voters to “save America” by convincing them that their political party will do just that — “vote blue no matter who!” or “Here comes a red wave!”

How has the Democratic Party shifted from policies being progressive initiatives to now becoming more centrist and moderate? Since President Joe Biden announced his decision not to seek re-election, Harris’ campaign introduced a welcomed boost for the Democratic Party, especially with her vice presidential pick, Tim Walz.

The Democratic Party’s future initially seemed bright compared to its competition, but recent polls show Harris and Trump are neck and neck in swing states. With percentage differences ranging from 3-5 points, so why are the numbers so close?

The Democrats have been positioning themselves for another win with key celebrity and labor union endorsements, packed campaign rallies, strong debate performance and having a solid online presence aimed at garnering younger voters. With all this, one might think appealing to moderate conservatives is unnecessary. However, with swing state polls fluctuating and the uncommitted voter base holding firm on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Harris’ election win is on the line. So, she believes her best bet to secure victory is to attract voters from across the political spectrum.

Harris’s shift on immigration was critical to attracting more conservative voters to her campaign. The Democratic Party traditionally led progressive immigration policies, often advocating for pathways to amnesty, but she has taken a more enforcement-focused approach compared to former Democratic platforms — backing measures such as tightening asylum restrictions and enhancing border security. This shift has caused tensions with progressive Democrats who pushed for more humane immigration policies, such as reducing deportations and reaffirming pathways to amnesty and citizenship.

Even if this tactic helps her campaign win (appeasing Republican voters), does Harris believe her more progressive supporters will be comfortable co-signing alongside a party which is actively resisting initiatives like healthcare reform, reproductive rights, gun safety legislation and protections for trans people? Harris’ leadership council might be symbolic of bipartisanship, but today’s Republicans oppose nearly all the issues that matter most to Democrats and left-leaning voters. 

There’s an irony in her attempt to attract Republicans. Extreme Republicans and right-wing voters have questioned her ability to lead, often unfairly basing their argument on her race and gender. So, it seems misguided to pursue a strategy of attracting the same voter base that once rallied behind a well-known misogynist and racist.

In a time when key Democratic values are being under attack, it feels ill-advised for Harris to prioritize this base of voters at the expense of alienating her own. If Democrats wanted Republican policies, they wouldn’t need a Democratic leader to deliver them — they’d just vote for a Republican.

Categories: Opinion

Tags: Article, kamala harris, Opinion, politics, trump