The honeymoon period for Kamala Harris is quickly ending. Her critics are making themselves heard.
And now a top White House official has gone rogue to speak out against Kamala Harris.
Kamala Harris’ Foreign Policy Challenges and Potential Presidency
As Vice President Kamala Harris approaches the 2024 presidential race, she faces significant scrutiny over her foreign policy credentials. Should she win the presidency, experts warn her relative inexperience poses substantial risks to U.S. national security.
Having rapidly emerged as the presumptive Democratic nominee following President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection, Harris has secured major endorsements and approximately $80 million in new campaign donations. However, critics argue her inexperience and policy stances render her ill-equipped to handle critical national security and foreign policy matters.
Former White House Official Skeptical Of Kamala Harris Administration’s Ability to Lead on Foreign Policy
Michael Bars, a former White House senior communications advisor and National Security Council official, emphasized Harris’ lack of experience: “Kamala Harris was a foreign policy and national security novice in 2021 and still is, even after efforts to bolster her credentials on the international stage. Her presidency would only heighten peril for the U.S. and its allies.”
Since becoming vice president in 2021, Harris has largely aligned with Biden’s foreign policy approach. An open letter with over 350 signatories, including former Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, and former National Security Adviser Susan Rice, praised Harris for her engagements with over 150 world leaders and her representation of the U.S. on international trips. These signatories declared Harris as the “best-qualified person” to serve as the 47th president.
Nonetheless, some experts remain unconvinced. Victoria Coates, a senior defense executive at the Heritage Foundation, criticized Harris’ foreign policy acumen, particularly her perceived failure to address illegal immigration when tasked in 2021. “Biden at least had decades of experience. Harris’ default mode appears to be extreme progressive policies detrimental to our international standing.”
Justin Logan of the Cato Institute suggested Harris’ national security views might shift based on political expediency, noting she has governed in line with typical Democratic positions. “With a few exceptions, she governed like a replacement-level Democratic senator and vice president. Presidents differ from candidates, who differ from senators.”
how bad is Kamala Harris on foreign policy?
She thought the US had an alliance with North Korea 🤦🏻♂️
— Gio DeBatta 🍸 (@GDebatta) July 23, 2024
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, Harris has supported Biden’s military aid to Ukraine, amounting to roughly $175 billion since 2022. Critics argue the Biden administration lacks a clear strategy to end the war and secure Ukraine.
At the Munich Security Conference in February, Harris reaffirmed her commitment to support Ukraine “as long as it takes” and emphasized her “ironclad” support for NATO, despite concerns that this stance could entangle the U.S. further in conflict with Russia.
On the Israel-Hamas conflict, Harris has echoed Biden’s calls for a ceasefire and has reportedly urged the administration to adopt a more sympathetic stance towards Palestinians as the Gaza death toll rises. In a July interview with The Nation, she acknowledged the emotional basis of pro-Palestinian protests, even as she distanced herself from some of their rhetoric.
Harris also backs the Biden administration’s efforts to contain Iran and revive the Obama-era nuclear deal. Despite these diplomatic efforts, Iran has continued its regional aggression and nuclear ambitions, raising questions about the efficacy of the administration’s policies.
In the Asia-Pacific, Harris has advocated for fair competition with China while opposing military aggression, particularly regarding Taiwan. Her four trips to Eastern Asia since 2021 and her meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping highlight her involvement in the region. However, some experts doubt her ability to handle complex international negotiations independently.
Coates expressed skepticism about Harris’ capacity to engage in substantive discussions with world leaders, especially those with strained relations with the U.S. “Harris does not present as a serious person, and it’s hard to imagine her handling difficult negotiations with hostile foreign heads of state.”
Despite these concerns, Harris has garnered endorsements from major foreign policy officials within the Democratic establishment, consolidating her position as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. The Democratic National Convention, where the nominee will be formally chosen, is set to take place the week of August 19.
At the very least, it’s not controversial to say she’s not exactly battle-tested and therefore should be trusted on the most critical foreign policy issues facing America and her allies.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
