ABRDN’s US Election Outlook: Analyzing Scenarios with Kamala Harris as Vice President

ABRDN’s US Election Outlook: Analyzing Scenarios with Kamala Harris as Vice President

As the US Presidential Election 2020 draws closer, various scenarios are being considered by analysts and investors alike. One such scenario that has gained significant attention is the potential for Kamala Harris

to serve as the next

Vice President

of the United States, should Joe Biden

win the election.

Harris

has been a prominent figure in the

Democratic Party

and has been the

Senator

from California since 2017. Prior to her Senate tenure, she served as the

Attorney General

of California from 2011 to 2017. Her background in law and politics, along with her experience as a Senator, make her an

ideal

candidate for the role of Vice President.

ABRDN

has been closely analyzing the potential impact of a Biden-Harris administration on various sectors, including technology, energy, and healthcare. While it is important to note that the election outcome is still uncertain, it is essential

for investors to be prepared for different scenarios. Should Joe Biden

win the election and Kamala Harris become the Vice President, it could mean a

shift

in policy direction for the United States, particularly in areas such as climate change, immigration, and foreign policy.

ABRDN

will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.

US Presidential Election 2020: Biden, Trump, and Harris

November 3, 2020, marked a pivotal moment in the United States’ political landscape as citizens exercised their constitutional right to elect their next president and vice president. This election carried significant importance and implications for the nation’s future, with the world closely watching the outcome.

Candidates: Joe Biden and Donald Trump

The two major contenders for the presidency were Democratic nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden, and incumbent President of the United States, Republican nominee Donald Trump.

Joe Biden

Born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden boasts a long and distinguished political career. He spent 36 years in the United States Senate, representing the state of Delaware. After eight years as Vice President under Barack Obama (2009-2016), Biden decided to run for president in 2020.

Political Career

Biden’s tenure in the Senate began in 197He served as the chair of several crucial committees, including the Judiciary Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee. In 2008, he was selected as Obama’s vice presidential running mate, winning their bid for the White House and serving two terms.

Role in the Democratic Party

Biden has been a central figure in the Democratic Party for decades. He was instrumental in passing numerous pieces of legislation, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Violence Against Women Act.

Donald Trump

On the opposing side of the political spectrum, Republican incumbent Donald J. Trump was seeking a second term as president. Born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City, Trump’s career had been marked by his successful real estate ventures and reality television shows. In 2016, he shocked the world when he won the presidency, marking a significant shift in American politics.

Vice Presidential Candidate: Kamala Harris

As Biden’s vice presidential running mate, California Senator Kamala Harris made history as the first woman of South Asian and African American descent to hold this position.

Personal Background

Born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, Harris grew up in a mixed-race household. Her mother was an Indian immigrant, and her father was a Jamaican immigrant. She attended Howard University for her undergraduate education before earning her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1990.

Political Career

Harris began her political career as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California. She later served as the District Attorney of San Francisco and was elected Attorney General of California in 2010. Harris joined the United States Senate in January 2017, representing California.

Role in the Democratic Party

Throughout her political career, Harris has been a vocal advocate for progressive causes. She gained significant attention during her run for the Democratic nomination in 2019 and 2020, focusing on issues such as racial justice, women’s rights, and healthcare.

The Impact of Kamala Harris as Vice President on Key Policy Areas

As the first woman, the first Black person, and the first South Asian American to hold the office of Vice President in the United States, Kamala Harris brings a unique perspective and significant influence to key policy areas.

Immigration:

Vice President Harris, who previously served as the Senator from California and as the state’s Attorney General, has a long-standing commitment to immigration reform. Her presence in the administration is expected to bring renewed emphasis on addressing the root causes of migration from Central America and working towards a comprehensive immigration reform bill.

Climate Change:

As a senior Senator on the Environment and Public Works Committee, Harris has been an advocate for addressing climate change. In her role as Vice President, she will play a key role in shaping the Biden administration’s climate policy and may be tasked with leading international climate efforts.

Healthcare:

Harris has a long history of advocating for healthcare access and affordability, particularly for underserved communities. As Vice President, she may play a role in pushing for the passage of the Biden administration’s proposed healthcare reforms and addressing health disparities.

Criminal Justice Reform:

As a former prosecutor and California Attorney General, Harris has faced criticism for her record on criminal justice reform. However, she has since shifted her stance and has advocated for reforms to address systemic issues in the criminal justice system. As Vice President, Harris may have an opportunity to lead on this issue, particularly as it relates to police reform and racial justice.

5. Technology and Innovation:

Harris has a strong background in technology and innovation, having studied computer science in college and worked as a tech attorney. As Vice President, she may be called upon to lead on technology-related issues, particularly those related to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.

6. International Relations:

As a Senator on the Foreign Relations Committee and as Vice President, Harris will have significant influence over U.S. foreign policy. Her background as a diplomat’s daughter and her experience working on international issues in the Senate may make her a strong advocate for diplomacy and multilateralism.

Overall, Kamala Harris’s influence on key policy areas as Vice President is expected to be significant. Her unique perspective and commitment to issues such as immigration, climate change, healthcare, criminal justice reform, technology and innovation, and international relations will shape the Biden administration’s agenda and help address some of the most pressing challenges facing the country.

Kamala Harris: Key Policy Areas and Their Implications

Healthcare

As the Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris‘s stance on healthcare is a critical component of the Biden Administration’s agenda. To understand her position, we must analyze her past stance on the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Past positions and votes

Harris has consistently supported the ACA, also known as Obamacare. While serving in the Senate, she voted to preserve the ACA multiple times. In 2017, she opposed Republican efforts to repeal the ACA without a replacement plan in place.

Proposed improvements or changes

Harris has advocated for improving the ACA rather than repealing it. She supports expanding Medicare coverage to more Americans and creating a public option for healthcare insurance. Additionally, Harris has called for reducing prescription drug costs and addressing disparities in healthcare access for marginalized communities.

Climate Change and Environment

Understanding Harris’ record on climate change and environmental policies is essential as she plays a significant role in the Biden Administration’s climate plan.

Proposed legislations and initiatives

Harris has co-sponsored numerous climate change bills during her tenure in the Senate, including the Green New Deal and the 100% Clean Energy for America Act. She also introduced the Climate Equity Act to ensure that climate policy addresses the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities.

Effects on Biden’s climate plan and potential negotiations with other countries

Harris’ commitment to addressing climate change will likely influence the Biden Administration’s climate diplomacy efforts. She may prioritize international cooperation on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the climate crisis at the United Nations and other global forums.

Immigration

Harris’ stance on immigration policies is another crucial area that could impact the Biden Administration’s agenda.

Her proposed solutions

Harris has advocated for a comprehensive immigration reform bill that includes a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, border security improvements, and addressing the root causes of migration from Central America. She has also criticized the Trump Administration’s family separation policy at the border and called for its immediate end.

Implications on the Biden Administration’s immigration agenda

Harris’ proposed solutions could help shape the Biden Administration’s immigration policies. However, the political landscape and opposition from Republicans may impact the feasibility of enacting comprehensive reform.

Foreign Policy

An examination of Harris’ foreign policy views is essential as she could play a significant role in US diplomacy with key global powers.

Past statements and voting records on international issues

Harris has advocated for a more assertive US foreign policy, particularly regarding human rights abuses and authoritarian regimes. She has criticized China’s treatment of the Uighur population and its territorial claims in the South China Sea. Harris has also been a vocal advocate for democracy and human rights in countries like Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran.

Potential implications for US diplomacy with key global powers (China, Russia, Middle East, etc.)

Harris’ foreign policy views could influence the Biden Administration’s diplomacy with key global powers. She may push for a more forceful response to China’s human rights abuses and territorial claims while seeking cooperation on climate change and other issues. Additionally, Harris may advocate for a more assertive role in the Middle East to counter Iran’s influence and promote democracy and stability in the region.

I Kamala Harris as a Potential President:

Transition of Power and Succession Scenarios

As the United States continues to navigate its political landscape, the question of who would succeed President Joe Biden in the event of his incapacity or resignation has become a topic of great interest. Vice President Kamala Harris stands as the current occupant of the office next in line to the presidency, making her a potential frontrunner for the role. In this context, it’s essential to examine the 25th Amendment and its implications on Harris’ potential presidency.

Examining the 25th Amendment

Background and context of the amendment: The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified on February 10, 1967. It outlines procedures for presidential succession and disability. The amendment provides two main avenues: the first allows the vice president to assume the presidency if the incumbent is unable to discharge the duties of office, and the second permits the president and a majority of Cabinet members to declare that he or she is unable to perform the duties of office, in which case the vice president would take over.

Possible implications on Harris’ role and potential presidency

Potential changes to the Democratic Party and its agenda: If Harris ascended to the presidency, the Democratic Party might undergo significant shifts in its political stance and priorities. As a former California Attorney General and Senator, she has a progressive record on issues such as healthcare, criminal justice reform, and climate change. However, her presidency could also face opposition from more moderate Democrats and the electorate at large.

The impact on US alliances and diplomacy with other nations:

A Harris presidency would also have significant implications for the United States’ international relations. She has previously emphasized her commitment to global cooperation and diplomacy, which could potentially lead to a more multilateral approach to foreign policy. However, she may also face challenges in negotiating with other nations as a woman and a person of color in the historically male-dominated sphere of international politics.

Public perception and potential challenges for Kamala Harris as a President

Assessing her popularity among the electorate: The success of a Harris presidency would hinge on her ability to connect with and garner support from the American people. While she has strong approval ratings among Democrats, her popularity remains a subject of debate among the broader electorate. A successful presidency would require her to build coalitions and alliances across party lines and engage with key interest groups.

Potential opposition from Republicans and key interest groups:

A Harris presidency would also face potential opposition from the Republican Party and various interest groups. Already, there have been calls for her impeachment from some quarters due to controversial decisions she made as a prosecutor and California senator. To overcome these challenges and maintain the support of the American people, Harris would need to navigate delicate political waters and demonstrate her ability to govern effectively.

Conclusion

Summary of Harris’ Role in the US Election Outlook: Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election, alongside Kamala Harris as his Vice President, marks a significant shift in US politics. Harris, known for her progressive policies and strong advocacy on issues such as criminal justice reform, climate change, and healthcare expansion, will undoubtedly influence the Biden administration’s stance on these areas.

Key Policy Areas and Their Implications for a Biden Administration with Harris as Vice President or President

In terms of criminal justice reform, expect the administration to pursue measures such as police reform, sentencing reform, and potential marijuana legalization. Climate change is another priority for Harris; she may push for the US to rejoin the Paris Agreement and advocate for renewable energy policies at home and abroad. On healthcare, the Biden administration will likely try to build on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by expanding Medicaid coverage and negotiating lower prescription drug prices.

Implications for the Democratic Party, US Diplomacy, and Global Politics

Potential Shifts in US Policy Stances and Negotiations with Other Nations

With Harris’ involvement, the Democratic Party may further lean towards progressive policies. This could lead to increased tensions with conservative-leaning countries and negotiations becoming more complex. However, Harris’ diplomatic skills and strong relationships within the Democratic Party could help facilitate productive conversations, especially on contentious issues like climate change or human rights.

Future Prospects for Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party in the 2024 Election Cycle and Beyond

As Vice President, Harris has an opportunity to solidify her reputation as a powerful political figure. Should the Biden administration be successful in its policy initiatives, it could boost Harris’ standing within the Democratic Party and position her as a strong contender for the 2024 presidential nomination. If Biden decides not to run again, Harris would likely be the frontrunner for the nomination. Alternatively, she could continue to build her influence within the Democratic Party as a powerful voice and potential kingmaker in future elections.