Vice President Kamala Harris, during a CNN interview with Dana Bash, outlined her evolving positions on key issues, including fracking and immigration, and committed to a notable bipartisan gesture if elected president. During a thorough conversation, Harris discussed her policy changes and reaffirmed her commitment to cooperation by saying she would name a Republican to her cabinet.
If Kamala Harris were to appoint a Republican to her cabinet in 2024, several potential candidates could be considered based on their political experience, endorsements, and bipartisan appeal. Here are a few notable possibilities:
- Larry Hogan: Hogan, a former Maryland governor, is renowned for his bipartisanship and moderate Republican viewpoint. He may run for a bipartisan cabinet because he has voiced support for several Democratic programs and has criticized Trump’s influence inside the GOP.
- Charlie Baker: Baker is a moderate Republican who served as governor of Massachusetts in the past and is known for his ability to collaborate across party lines. Given his emphasis on practical solutions and his strong approval ratings during his term, he would be a good fit for a job that spans both parties.
- Susan Collins: The Maine senator is renowned for taking unbiased, reasonable stances on a range of topics. She has always been a staunch Republican, but her willingness to collaborate with Democrats on some bills might make her a strong contender for a cabinet post.
- Jim Greenwood: The Pennsylvania congressman has a history of cooperating with members of the opposing party. He supported Harris and, given his background and qualifications as a nonpartisan, may be given consideration for a job.
- David Trott: Similar to Greenwood, the former congressman from Michigan has experience working with both parties and, given his expertise and moderate approach, he may run for office.
In an interview with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris' campaign partner, in Savannah, she addressed questions over her shifting positions. She asserted that although her policy stances had changed, her underlying beliefs had not changed. Harris specifically mentioned her changing views on decriminalizing unauthorized border crossings and fracking.
Harris had supported a nationwide moratorium on hydraulic fracturing in 2019. She had, however, softened her stance by the time she was selected as Joe Biden's running mate and had even voted in favor of expanding fracking leases in a tie-breaking vote. In support of this proposal, Harris pointed to the Inflation Reduction Act of the Biden administration as a noteworthy investment in mitigating the effects of climate change. She made it clear that she was still committed to solving the climate catastrophe and hitting her greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Harris brought up her experience as California's Attorney General, when she took on criminal organizations engaged in international drug trafficking, in relation to immigration. She stressed that despite changes in her approach to policy, her ideals about immigration remained unwavering. As vice president, Harris traveled much across the nation, which she claimed shaped her viewpoint and emphasized the significance of reaching an agreement on important national problems.
Harris's promise to appoint a Republican to her cabinet in the event of election was a crucial component of the interview. She vowed to bring a range of perspectives and experiences into her administration, arguing that doing so would serve the interests of the American people. While Harris did not name specific candidates, she did say that she would take into account well-known Republicans who had spoken at the Democratic convention or offered her endorsement.
This pledge to name a Republican differs from the strategy of President Joe Biden, who did not name any Republicans to his cabinet. Even though Biden's administration passed laws with support from both parties, his first cabinet did not have any members of the opposition party. Harris's dedication is consistent with a historical trend of bipartisan cabinet nominations, which may be observed in the administrations of Barack Obama, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and others.
In the interview, Harris called out former President Donald Trump's remarks that cast doubt on her race as a "tired playbook." She disregarded Trump's hints and remained committed to her policy objectives.
As Harris seeks to appeal to undecided voters and right-leaning independents, her pledge to appoint a Republican could serve as a strategic move to demonstrate her commitment to bipartisanship without alienating her base. This promise may offer a clear distinction from Biden's administration and address questions about how her presidency would differ.
In contrast, Trump has made attempts to include former Democrats and independent figures in his campaign, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard. However, these moves have not garnered significant support or shifted the political landscape notably.
Harris’s pledge to appoint a Republican could attract swing voters and present a concrete example of her bipartisan intentions. This commitment might be highlighted as a significant policy difference from Biden’s administration and as a strategy to bridge divides in a polarized political environment.