The White House has increasingly emphasized Vice President Kamala Harris’ role in foreign policy following President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection. This shift is evident in the administration’s public statements and official documents, which have highlighted her participation in key international negotiations and strategic discussions.
Harris’ Rising Profile in Foreign Affairs
Since July, when Biden endorsed Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate, there has been a noticeable increase in references to her in the context of foreign engagements. National security adviser Jake Sullivan recently underscored Harris’ contributions to the administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy, a region critical to U.S. interests. This kind of recognition is rare for a vice president and suggests an effort to bolster Harris’ foreign policy credentials as she faces scrutiny over her ability to manage international affairs.
A recent review by POLITICO of administration briefings, pool reports, and transcripts revealed that the White House has consistently mentioned Harris in connection with high-stakes diplomatic efforts. For instance, an official summary of an August 1 phone call between Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted that Harris was also present, a detail that had not been included in similar reports earlier in the year.
Harris’ Foreign Policy Experience and Republican Criticism
Harris has leaned into her role in the Biden administration’s biggest foreign policy victories, particularly in relation to Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific region. In an August 22 speech at the Democratic National Convention, she highlighted her involvement in rallying support for Ukraine and her efforts to confront security threats and strengthen alliances.
However, Republicans have seized on Harris’ foreign policy role for different reasons, pointing to the administration’s challenges in Afghanistan and the Middle East as evidence of her perceived weaknesses. John Hannah, a former national security adviser to Vice President Dick Cheney, argued that the recent emphasis on Harris’ foreign policy work is an attempt to compensate for her limited experience in this area.
Despite this criticism, the White House and Harris’ supporters argue that she has played a vital role in shaping and implementing the administration’s foreign policy decisions. They cite her involvement in securing a key agreement with the Philippines to resettle Afghan refugees and her contributions to a multi-country prisoner swap that resulted in the release of several high-profile detainees.
A Strategic Focus on the Indo-Pacific and Europe
The administration has particularly highlighted Harris’ contributions to U.S. policy in the Indo-Pacific. During a November 2022 visit to Manila, Harris proposed a plan to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for resettling Afghan refugees in the Philippines, a proposal that was ultimately successful.
In Europe, Harris has been credited with persuading Germany and Slovenia to participate in the multi-country prisoner swap, a complex diplomatic effort that underscores her growing influence in U.S. foreign policy.
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