During the 2020 election campaign, Kamala Harris was confronted about being the "most liberal senator" in the United States. Here's how she responded.
In the run-up to the 2020 presidential election, then-vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris faced scrutiny for her progressive voting record in the Senate. CBS News interviewed Harris in 2020, grilling her about her reputation as "the most liberal senator" in the United States.
Harris, who has consistently identified as a progressive Democrat, defended her record, arguing that it reflected the values of her constituents in California. She pointed to her support for affordable healthcare, environmental protection, and criminal justice reform as examples of her commitment to progressive ideals.
Kamala Harris: The Most Liberal Senator?
When asked directly if she embraced the label of "liberal," Harris responded:
"I don't use labels. I'm a prosecutor. I'm a United States senator. I'm a daughter of immigrants. I'm a mother. I'm a wife. I'm a sister. I'm a friend. I'm a neighbor. I'm a person who cares about the people of this country."
Kamala Harris: The Most Liberal Senator?
With President Joe Biden out of the 2024 presidential race, a recent poll conducted by The New York Times and Siena College shows that Vice President Kamala Harris would be a near-even match for former President Donald Trump in a hypothetical general election matchup.
The poll found that Trump leads Harris by only one percentage point among likely voters, 48% to 47%. This represents a tightening of the race since an earlier poll in July that found Trump leading Biden by 6 points.
Kamala Harris: The Most Liberal Senator?
Harris secured a 10-point lead over Trump among voters 45 and younger, a key demographic that Trump was previously leading in.
According to the survey, about 79% of Democratic voters want Harris to be the party's nominee after Biden's withdrawal from the race. However, there are some within the party who believe Democrats should hold a competitive process to select a new nominee.
The poll also found that 87% of respondents somewhat or strongly approve of Biden's decision to drop out of the race. Additionally, 45% of respondents said they disapprove of the job Biden is currently doing as president.
The upcoming 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be a competitive race. Kamala Harris's performance as vice president and her ability to appeal to both progressive and moderate voters will be key factors in determining her chances of winning the presidency.
