Jessica Wang

Kamala Harris’s policies, particularly those that appear to cater to moderates or adopt conservative stances, warrant scrutiny about the consistency of the values that her progressive platform supports and her commitment to core Democratic values. 

I fully support her candidacy for the presidency, but I have been growing increasingly concerned about the lack of critical examination she receives. This overwhelming support may stem from her being viewed as the lesser of two evils in a polarized political climate, where many voters prioritize defeating the opposing candidate over scrutinizing their own. A serious issue arises: if a candidate is elevated to high office without being rigorously challenged, what incentive do they have to address their constituents’ genuine concerns?

Harris’s policy decisions, especially on complex and controversial issues, should be subject to thorough analysis and scrutiny. Since President Biden dropped out of the race, she moved toward more conservative views, pledging to strengthen the border and no longer supporting Medicare for All. It is vital that we critically engage with her policy proposals and do not simply accept them at face value. There are many ways to engage politically to champion what we find important: through active advocacy, public discourse, grassroots organizing and petitions or open forums.

I also recognize my own privilege in discussing these matters. Living in California, a predominantly democratic state, I am largely insulated from the immediate threats posed by the opposing candidate, like former President Donald Trump’s promises to support states having the right to restrict or nearly ban abortion as they choose. This privilege, however, also compels me to voice concerns and advocate for a more meticulous evaluation of candidates: they must earn our support through substantive policy commitments and actions, rather than simply being the lesser of two evils.

Without inquiry into the true values and policies a candidate’s platform supports, we need to be wary of affirming our backing of their campaign. We should ensure that our chosen leaders are committed to advancing the values and priorities that truly matter to us, which necessitates political awareness, engagement and, most importantly, a willingness to push against the grain to advocate for what we believe to be necessary.