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U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic nomination for president on Friday (August 23), seeking to distinguish herself from Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump by emphasizing continuity in Washington’s foreign policy.
Harris was speaking on the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, in what was expected to be her most important opportunity yet to make her case to millions of American voters.
But it was also Harris’ first time on stage to outline her platform if elected president in November, marking only the second time in U.S. history that a woman has led a major party’s presidential campaign.
“Through this election, our nation has a precious and brief opportunity to move beyond the resentments, cynicism, and divisiveness of the past, a chance to chart a new path forward as Americans, not as members of any one party or faction,” Harris said.
Throughout her speech, Harris said she was a better choice for president than Trump and said Republicans would face “extremely serious” consequences if they were re-elected.
Harris focused primarily on unity, promising to serve “all Americans” and create an “economy of opportunity.”
She stressed that “building a strong middle class has always been critical to America’s success, and building such a middle class is a top priority of my presidency.”
Foreign policy section
The foreign policy elements are the most anticipated by foreign observers, especially because Harris, in her previous tenure as vice president, focused more on domestic issues and has so far largely maintained a carte blanche stance beyond her speaking points.
“We must also be steadfast in advancing our security and values abroad,” Harris said in Chicago.
She added: “As vice president, I confronted security threats, negotiated with foreign leaders, strengthened our alliances, and engaged with our brave troops overseas.”
On Ukraine, Harris said she would stand “firmly” with NATO allies and Ukraine if she were elected president, demonstrating continuity with the current Biden administration.
“Five days before Russia attacked Ukraine, I met with President Zelensky to warn him of Russia’s planned invasion. I helped mobilize a global response of more than 50 countries to defend against Putin’s aggression,” Harris said.
She spoke more specifically about the most contentious issue within the Democratic Party, the Israeli invasion of Gaza, calling the situation “appalling” and pledging to ensure Israel’s security and support a ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza.
“Now is the time to reach a hostage agreement and a ceasefire,” Harris said. “Let me be clear, I will always defend Israel’s right to self-defense, and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself.”
While not explicitly mentioned, Harris’ foreign policy record to date suggests she will likely prioritize countering China and strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
When it comes to countering China, Harris said her administration will focus on leading advances in space and artificial intelligence.
“I will not cozy up to a tyrant and a dictator like Kim Jong-un who supports Trump,” Harris said.
Harris and Trump
Harris’ remarks indicated no clear shift in the Biden administration’s position, which may have eased concerns among European policymakers about how to build a “Trump-proof” relationship with the United States for months.
The Democratic National Committee recently released its policy platform Abnormally heavy The book focuses on Europe at the top of its foreign policy chapter.
Dylan Macchiarini Crosson, a researcher at the Center for European Policy Studies in Brussels, told Euractiv that while Harris is less tested on the international stage, she represents continuity.
“Harris will maintain some kind of U.S. commitment to multilateral cooperation, in contrast to the Trump administration,” Crosson said.
He added: “Harris will maintain close engagement with Europe on foreign affairs, and cooperation on critical raw materials and economic security will also move forward as it is a strategic necessity to maintain the transatlantic partnership and manage competition with China.”
“While there is hope for greater continuity in the current administration under Harris’ leadership, she and her advisers recognize that the U.S. pivot toward the Indo-Pacific will be challenged by the turbulence in the Middle East,” he said.
EU diplomats increasingly agree that, whether it’s Trump or Harris, Europe must step up its efforts because the incentives are not going away.
“Transatlantic trade and technology policy coordination are difficult areas anyway,” Crosson stressed.
(Editing by Alice Taylor)
Read more by Euractiv
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