Vice President Kamala Harris finds herself facing criticism for what some are calling a pattern of flip-flopping on key policy positions. Critics argue that Harris has adopted vague stances on several issues and, when pressed, has seemingly borrowed elements from other candidates’ platforms—most notably former President Donald Trump.
Harris has been relatively quiet on specific policy details during her limited appearances in the media, leading to questions about her long-term vision for the country. While she has advocated for a child tax credit of $6,000 and the elimination of taxes on tips, these policies have drawn attention not for their boldness, but for their similarity to initiatives from Trump’s previous campaigns. Both policies—particularly the no-tax-on-tips proposal—were key talking points for Trump during his 2020 presidential run.
Trump, known for his quick wit and aggressive campaigning style, didn’t miss the chance to address what he sees as Harris’ tendency to “hop on board” with his ideas. Speaking at the Economic Club of New York on Thursday, the former president humorously offered to send Harris a custom “Make America Great Again” hat, suggesting she fully embrace her apparent alignment with his policies. “If she’s going to keep taking my ideas, she might as well wear the hat,” Trump quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
NO TAX ON TIPS: "She [Kamala Harris] is actually copying a lot of my plan, in fact we're going to send her a MAGA cap." #copycatKamala #notaxontips
Watch #Trump Live: https://t.co/bxxD8whkyg
Watch RAV 24/7: https://t.co/aeKhZCtVbe pic.twitter.com/GmDYKJNAMi
— Real America's Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) September 5, 2024
Harris’ critics argue that her inability to clearly define her own platform ahead of the election is troubling. Without a firm stance on critical issues such as the economy, healthcare, and immigration, they say, it’s difficult for voters to determine what she actually stands for. The vice president’s back-and-forth on major policy points has also raised concerns about her leadership and decision-making style.
“Kamala Harris has yet to offer a coherent vision for the future of America,” said political strategist Mark Wilson. “She’s borrowed policies from Trump, but she hasn’t articulated how she plans to implement them, or even why she supports them in the first place. Voters need more than vague promises and recycled ideas.”
He went on to make a further note of the Harris campaign’s tactics.
“She is, actually, copying a lot of my plan, in fact, we’re going to send her a MAGA cap sometime in the next week. We’re having a special one made.”
The statement predictably garnered applause and probably more than a few chuckles.
Trump is spot-on about his opponent as she might as well be a Trump supporter and dawn the appropriate attire.
In offering a more serious critique of the Harris campaign and what her recurring borrowing from Trump actually indicates, her actions show the American people a campaign without a substantial platform.
Harris’ major selling point is, “I am not Donald Trump.”
She adopts his policies to further state, “You can have Trump policies without having Trump.”
Astoundingly, her campaign website still does not list her positions.
While the campaign struggles in the throes of an identity crisis, the voter surprisingly could not say the campaign itself is in crisis.
American historian Allan Lichtman has a penchant for correctly predicting presidential elections and believes Harris will triumph in November. But, if her policies are taken from Trump, why wouldn’t the voter just choose him?
Supporters of Harris have defended her approach, arguing that she is still refining her platform and that her flexibility on certain policies demonstrates an openness to collaboration. They claim that adopting popular elements from other candidates’ platforms could help unite a divided electorate. However, the criticism persists, with many pointing to Harris’ shifting positions as evidence of political opportunism rather than genuine leadership.
Harris has previously been accused of adjusting her views to suit the political climate. In her 2020 presidential bid, she faced similar accusations of inconsistency, particularly on healthcare reform. During the Democratic primary, Harris struggled to clarify her stance on “Medicare for All,” initially supporting Senator Bernie Sanders’ plan before backtracking and offering a more moderate alternative. The episode left voters confused about where she stood on one of the most significant issues of the campaign.
Now, with her presidential aspirations on the line once again, Harris must address these concerns if she hopes to solidify her base of support. Political analysts argue that without a clear and consistent message, she risks alienating both progressive and moderate voters.
“Voters want to know what she stands for,” said political commentator Amanda Richards. “They don’t want to feel like she’s playing both sides or waiting to see which way the wind blows before taking a stand.”
As the 2024 race heats up, it remains to be seen whether Harris can sharpen her messaging and present a more defined platform to the American people. With less than a year until Election Day, the pressure is mounting for the vice president to offer a clear vision for the country’s future—one that is truly her own.
