Harris Gains Backing from Democratic Foreign Policy Leaders Amid Presidential Campaign

Harris Receives Support from Democratic Foreign Policy Leaders

This week, a coalition of hundreds of former Democratic foreign policy leaders publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign, expressing confidence in her candidacy despite her relatively limited experience in international diplomacy. Harris’s swift ascent to the forefront of the Democratic ticket follows President Biden’s recent announcement to withdraw from the race, coinciding with a period marked by escalating global tensions.

As voters grapple with pressing foreign policy questions, including U.S. military support for Israel and Ukraine, the ongoing migrant crisis, and the challenges posed by a rising China, many are left questioning Harris’s stance on these critical issues. While serving in the Biden administration, Ms. Harris was not significantly involved in formulating foreign policy, contributing mainly to discussions surrounding illegal migration along the southern border. Nonetheless, the campaign of former President Donald J. Trump has attempted to link her to the surge in migrants, simultaneously branding her as inexperienced.

Key Foreign Policy Positions of Kamala Harris

The War in Gaza

In her approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict, Ms. Harris has closely aligned herself with President Biden’s stance, affirming U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself. However, she has also adopted a more pronounced emphasis on the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. After a recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ms. Harris expressed her deep concern for the civilian toll in Gaza.

“What has transpired in Gaza over the past nine months is nothing short of devastating,” she remarked to reporters. “The images of dead children and the desperate plight of hungry families fleeing for safety—many of whom are enduring displacement for the second, third, or even fourth time—demand our attention. We cannot turn a blind eye to these tragedies.” She concluded her statement with a powerful commitment: “I will not remain silent.”