Squad Democrats hatch plan to ‘push Kamala Harris farther to the left’ if she beats Donald Trump
Kamala Harris has been praised for leading a more moderate campaign to appeal to all Americans, but progressives say they are waiting to radicalize her if she defeats Donald Trump.
Harris ranked as one of the most progressive senators during her short tenure in the upper chamber of Congress, behind self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.
She has defended the Green New Deal, fought for sweeping abortion rights and loudly condemned the horrors of deportation and the construction of a border wall between the US and Mexico.
However, these policies do not play well in presidential elections, so Harris is instead focusing on centrist issues such as strengthening tax breaks for small businesses, immigration reform and lowering the cost of goods, including energy.
Seeing this as a winning strategy, progressives have decided to bide their time and wait for Harris to win the White House before pushing her further to the left.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to people at an incident command center at Augusta Utilities, following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, October 2, 2024, in Augusta, Georgia. Progressives around D.C. have said they will pressure her to support left-wing priorities once the election is over
“It’s about getting organized and seeing how far we can push her once she wins the presidency,” progressive “Squad” member Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., at the WashingtonPost of her attempts to force Harris out after the election.
Omar, a devout supporter of the Palestinians and an outspoken opponent of Israel, said her “only issue” with Harris currently is the vice president’s support for Israel.
“My commitment to Israel’s security is unwavering,” the Democratic nominee said Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, the Jewish nation received a barrage of about 180 rockets fired at it from Iran.
Harris has been largely aligned with President Joe Biden’s handling of the war, something that has irked many progressives.
And keeping progressives motivated to turn out for the Harris ticket is critical to the Democrats’ takeover, said “Squad” leader Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to the Washington Post.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has had multiple phone calls with Kamala Harris since she was placed atop the Democratic presidential ticket. AOC said progressive policies are crucial to turning out younger voters, a key bloc of the Democratic constituency
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., said she plans to push Kamala Harris to the left if she wins the White House in November
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“We’re not going to win constituencies and really vote with just pop culture — these are constituencies that are highly motivated on substantive issues,” she said.
AOC also suggested some areas in which she would like to see Harris lean more to the left.
“I think expanding health care is critical, and it’s something I personally would like to see more of,” the New Yorker said.
House Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., emphasized how Harris must understand the party’s far-left flank — especially how crucial it is to securing the Democratic agenda.
‘I believe, hope and expect that [Harris] understands how important progressives were to the Biden administration’s victories,” she said. “I hope she sees how valuable that partnership and working together was.”
And that agenda can only be implemented with a diverse range of liberal voices, Jayapal said.
Progressive Caucus Chairman Jayapal said who Harris staffs will be critical to whether progressive goals are realized
“I think it’s important who she surrounds herself with.”
“It’s important that she has a team like the president, and like the president, a chief of staff who really values progressives as part of the coalition.”
A Democratic strategist also told the Washington Post that the party will work out specific priorities after Nov. 5.
“I think a lot of people are turning their noses because they’re doing everything they can to help you win,” the quarterback said.
“I have no doubt they will fight it out after the election.”