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Harris Faces Criticism for Changing Policy Stances

 September 2, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris has recently made noticeable shifts in her stances on several critical issues, such as fracking and immigration, leading to scrutiny over her consistency.

These changes have sparked debate about Harris' policy motivations as she continues her presidential campaign, Just The News reported.

In 2019, during a town hall, Harris clearly expressed her support for banning fracking, aligning herself with progressive energy policies and environmental advocacy. At that time, she also endorsed a ban on offshore drilling and supported the Green New Deal, a proposal that includes a variety of progressive energy and environmental policies.

Harris Clarifies Her Current Position on Fracking

However, Harris's stance on fracking has shifted over time. In a recent CNN interview, she stated, "As vice president I did not ban fracking, and as president I will not ban fracking." This statement represents a notable departure from her earlier position and has led to criticism regarding her policy consistency.

Commentators, including energy policy advocate Daniel Turner, have criticized Harris for what they see as a flip-flop on her energy positions. Turner remarked, "If Kamala Harris can so quickly reject her firm energy positions from the past, there is no telling how quickly she'll renounce today's positions in the future… Harris is bankrolled by green billionaires who want to ensure the funding of their pet projects continues, so it's beyond clear that she doesn't care about the truth of her energy positions, she cares only about keeping the tax dollars flowing."

Shifts in Immigration Policy Also Noted

Harris has also shifted her position on immigration policy, an issue that has been a focal point of political debate. During a recent CNN interview, she emphasized the importance of enforcing laws against illegal border crossings, stating that those who cross the U.S. border illegally "should face consequences." She also highlighted her experience prosecuting transnational criminal organizations and enforcing laws as a former attorney general of California, a border state.

This stance marks a departure from her earlier, more lenient position on undocumented immigrants. In 2017, Harris tweeted that "an undocumented immigrant is not a criminal," signaling a more forgiving approach to immigration.

Border Wall Support Draws Attention

Harris's evolving stance on border security has also come under scrutiny. During Donald Trump's presidency, Harris was a vocal critic of the border wall, referring to it as a "vanity project" and a "stupid use of money." In 2018, she pledged to block funding for the wall, describing it as "a gross misuse of taxpayer money."

Despite this past opposition, Harris recently expressed support for a Senate immigration bill that allocates $650 million for the border wall. This change has led some to speculate that Harris may be attempting to appeal to more moderate voters as she campaigns for the presidency.

Criticism from Political Opponents

Former President Donald Trump has been quick to criticize Harris for her apparent policy shifts, particularly on immigration and border security. At a recent rally, Trump questioned Harris's sudden change of heart on building a strong border, saying, "Now she's saying 'Oh we want to build a strong border.' Where has she been for three and a half years as we took in 20 million people, many of them horrible criminals?"

In addition to criticizing Harris's stance on border security, Trump also introduced a new policy proposal during his rally, suggesting that IVF treatments should be made free for women, funded by insurers or the government.

Strategic Moves or Policy Reversals?

Harris's recent shifts on key policy issues have raised questions about her political strategy as she campaigns for the presidency. Some political analysts suggest that her evolving positions could be aimed at broadening her appeal to moderate voters who might be wary of more progressive policies.

Despite these changes, Harris's main campaign website does not provide a detailed policy platform, and her acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention lacked specific policy proposals. This lack of specificity has fueled further criticism regarding her policy consistency.

Implications for the 2024 Presidential Race

As Harris continues her campaign, her shifting stances on critical issues will likely remain a focal point for both supporters and critics. The scrutiny over her positions on fracking, immigration, and border security suggests that her policy consistency—or lack thereof—could play a significant role in shaping voter perceptions.

While some see these shifts as a necessary adaptation to changing political landscapes, others view them as evidence of a need for clear policy direction. The coming months will reveal whether these changes will help or hinder Harris's chances in the 2024 presidential race.