Kamala Harris and VA Disability – Implications of a Harris Presidency for Veterans

The surprise announcement by President Joe Biden that he won’t seek reelection has thrust Vice President Kamala Harris into the spotlight as the frontrunner for the Democratic ticket in the next presidential race.

With the focus now on her, questions arise regarding her approach to military and veterans’ affairs, a relatively lower-profile area of her career compared to Biden’s. As she steps into this new role, her track record and the policies she’s supported could shape perceptions of her readiness to lead in this area.

Background

During her tenure as vice president, Harris supported President Biden’s major initiatives aimed at helping service members and veterans. These include the expansion of veterans’ benefits and standing behind Biden’s controversial decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021. Despite this, her direct involvement in military and veterans’ issues has been limited, with much of the attention on these matters focused on the president.

Still, Harris’s background offers some insight into her stance on these critical issues. While serving as a senator, she consistently voted on various military and veterans bills, showing some commitment to the cause. Before that, during her time as California’s attorney general, she took a stand against for-profit colleges that targeted veterans, a move that demonstrates her interest in safeguarding their rights.

Support from the Obamas

With Harris now at the forefront, she’s receiving support from key figures in the Democratic Party, including a reported phone call from former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. This backing could help Harris gain more traction with voters, particularly when it comes to policy areas that she’s less known for, such as veterans’ affairs.

Republicans’ Strategy

Interestingly, Republican opponents have primarily targeted Harris for her role in Biden’s immigration policies, a topic that has drawn more public and media scrutiny. Harris’s direct involvement with military and veterans’ issues hasn’t been a major talking point for Republicans thus far. This suggests they may perceive this as a weaker area in terms of generating voter backlash compared to more controversial topics like border security and immigration reform.

Still, Harris’s prosecutorial background seems to be a focal point in her defense. At her first rally as a presidential candidate, she made a point of highlighting her history of holding wrongdoers accountable, emphasizing that she’s taken on perpetrators “of all kinds,” indirectly referencing her readiness to confront challenges posed by Republican rivals, including former President Donald Trump.

Veterans’ Issues

As Harris embarks on the campaign trail, her history of dealing with military and veterans’ issues could be more thoroughly examined by voters and political analysts. Though she may not have the same hands-on experience as Biden in this area, her actions in the Senate and as attorney general suggest that she’s capable of addressing these issues.

Harris’s past support of veterans’ benefits expansion and her stance against predatory practices targeting veterans are positive indicators of how she might lead on veterans’ issues as president. However, whether this will be enough to earn the support of military voters is yet to be seen.

Campaign Focus

While the Republicans seem more interested in attacking Harris on her immigration policies, veterans’ issues could still emerge as a critical aspect of her campaign. Should she choose to focus more on her past efforts to support veterans, it might help her appeal to undecided voters, particularly those who are part of or support the military community.

In contrast, if the focus continues to revolve around her role in immigration policy, Harris will need to find a way to shift the narrative to present herself as well-rounded and capable of tackling issues beyond her prosecutorial and immigration work. Her supporters will likely emphasize her experience and her readiness to take on any challenge, much like she has done throughout her career.

Harris’s track record on military and veterans’ affairs may not be as high-profile as that of Biden, but it could still play a critical role in shaping the dialogue as the presidential race heats up. Ultimately, her stance and past actions on these issues will be increasingly scrutinized as the election draws closer.

As Harris moves forward with her campaign, voters and political commentators will continue to debate how her approach to veterans’ issues will shape her platform and candidacy. If elected, her leadership in this area could have a significant impact on service members and veterans alike.

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