CNN host Michael Smerconish has expressed concern about Vice President Harris' past support for far-left policies, arguing that she needs to "explain" why she has changed her stance on certain issues since running for president in the 2020 election cycle. Smerconish believes that Harris' shift towards moderation may require her to select a more conservative running mate to balance her image.
CNN host Michael Smerconish has ignited a debate regarding Vice President Kamala Harris' past liberal policy positions, arguing that she has "explaining to do" about her previous stances. This discussion stems from Harris' presumed role as the Democratic presidential nominee in 2024, raising questions about the potential dissonance between her prior views and her current more moderate stance.
Kamala Harris' Past Far-Left Stances Raise Questions for Democratic Nominee
During an appearance on "CNN This Morning," Smerconish highlighted Harris' transformation since her initial presidential campaign, suggesting that her current positions seem at odds with her earlier platform. Prior to becoming Joe Biden's running mate, Harris was a vocal advocate for progressive policies, earning the distinction as the "most liberal" U.S. senator, surpassing even Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, according to GovTrack.us.
Smerconish specifically pointed to Harris' previous support for banning fracking, which she recently reversed, and her endorsement of defunding the police initiatives, including her promotion of the Minnesota Freedom Fund, which aided in bailing out Black Lives Matter rioters. He emphasized the need for Harris to address these past positions, which he believes could impact her credibility and public perception.
Kamala Harris' Past Far-Left Stances Raise Questions for Democratic Nominee
To mitigate concerns about her perceived far-left views, Smerconish suggested that Harris consider selecting a more moderate Democratic leader for her vice presidential running mate. He cited the example of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a potential candidate for the position, who holds views that could balance Harris' image. Shapiro's support for school vouchers and his criticism of antisemitism and campus protests have been identified as qualities that could appeal to a broader range of voters.
Smerconish believes that Shapiro's presence on the ticket would offset perceptions of Harris as being too far to the left. He also mentioned Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona as another potential vice presidential candidate who could provide a similar ideological balance. Kelly's stance on border policy and his perceived experience addressing border issues are seen as strengths that could compliment Harris' candidacy.
Kamala Harris' Past Far-Left Stances Raise Questions for Democratic Nominee
The debate surrounding Harris' past liberal positions has set the stage for a thorough examination of her political trajectory. As the presumptive Democratic nominee, Harris faces the challenge of reconciling her previous views with her current moderate stance. The selection of her running mate could play a significant role in shaping the perception of her ideological alignment and her overall electability in 2024.
