At a campaign event in Scottsdale, Arizona, Vice President Kamala Harris declared her intention to form a bipartisan advisory council should she be elected.

The Vice President's announcement, which critics suggest is a disingenuous one made out of campaign desperation, came during a "Republicans for Harris" gathering, highlighting her commitment to bipartisanship, a move that aligns with Harris' earlier pledge to include a member of the Republican Party in her Cabinet, as the Washington Examiner reports.

During her speech, Harris emphasized what she said was her belief in the necessity of a robust two-party system in American governance. "I love good ideas, wherever they come from. We need a healthy two-party system," she stated, underscoring her belief in collaboration across party lines. This proposed council is part of her strategy to seek diverse viewpoints on policy matters.

Harris's proposal is meant to be reminiscent of a tradition in which past presidents appointed members of the opposition party to Cabinet positions.

Notably, this practice was absent during the tenure of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Harris' promise is a deliberate statement of contrast, purporting to foster a more inclusive political environment.

Arizona: A Crucial Battleground for Harris

Arizona stands as a significant battleground state in the upcoming election. Polls indicate a close contest between Harris and Trump, adding weight to her campaign efforts in the region. Arizona's political landscape has been historically pivotal, making Harris's Arizona visit a strategic move in her electoral campaign.

During her remarks, Harris said she drew inspiration from the late Republican Sen. John McCain, a revered figure in Arizona and a vocal critic of Trump.

She praised what she described as McCain's principles and dedication to patriotism. Harris stated, "John McCain stood on principle. He stood on a belief in the importance of patriotism, of sacrifice, of what we stand for as a country."

Her mention of McCain is indicative of her appeal to Arizonans and her effort to garner support from within the Republican base. This approach is part of her broader campaign strategy to bridge the partisan divide by evoking McCain's legacy of bipartisanship.

McCain Family's Complex Political Stance

The significance of McCain's influence was further accentuated by the presence of his son, Army 1st Lt. Jim McCain. Earlier in the week, Jim McCain campaigned with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris' running mate. Their joint appearances aimed to foster a narrative of unity and collaboration.

Despite her late father's legacy and opposition to Trump, Meghan McCain, another prominent member of the senator's family, has refrained from endorsing Harris and expressed frustration at her attempt to use his name in her campaign efforts.

"For all of you tweeting at me -- yes, I am over here the last Republican in the family. Albeit, it feels strange, everything is okay," she clarified in a statement, indicating her reluctance to support either presidential candidate fully.

Her statement reflects a principled stand, as she identifies herself as a "principled conservative," which she said is reminiscent of her father's lifelong beliefs.

This stance underscores the nuanced political dynamics within the McCain family, despite their historical ties to the Republican Party.

Harris' Claimed Commitment to Bipartisan Governance

Harris's announcement of a bipartisan council is a move meant to demonstrate a dedication to inclusive governance. The council, she said, would provide advice on diverse policy issues, in a spirit of bipartisanship and cooperation.

This proposed council, she said would work to facilitate dialogue and consensus, drawing on Harris' self-proclaimed belief in hearing multifaceted perspectives on complex matters. Her vow to appoint a Republican to her Cabinet forms a central pillar of this approach, representing what she hopes is seen as shift toward more collaborative political discourse.

Given the close race in Arizona, Harris' strategy seeks to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters, particularly moderates and Republicans disenchanted with Trump's leadership.

By invoking John McCain's values, Harris attempted to position herself as a candidate who respects bipartisan principles, though critics suggest that her record shows no prior interest in such a shift.