What It’s About
During a CNN Town Hall, Vice President Kamala Harris was asked by Anderson Cooper if she could claim to be more pro-Israel than former President Donald Trump. The Vice President chose to divert the conversation towards other global and national issues, avoiding any direct commentary on her stance regarding Israel.
Why It Matters
In today’s geopolitical climate, the state of Israel remains a critical ally to the United States. Showing explicit political support for Israel not only strengthens this alliance but also clarifies America’s stance regarding Middle East politics. When given the chance to assert her stance on Israel, Vice President Harris missed a pivotal opportunity to reinforce the significant bilateral relationship and the historical ties shared between Israel and the United States.
The Avoided Response
Asked whether she would be more pro-Israel compared to Donald Trump, Harris spoke at length without mention of Israel, preferring to critique Trump’s past actions and character. She decided instead to target Trump’s ties with autocratic leaders like North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, arguing that the former President indulged in unhealthy admiration for such figures.
The Bigger Picture
Strengthening U.S.-Israel relations not only supports shared democratic values but it maintains stability and mutual security interests in an increasingly volatile region. As such, American political leaders often emphasize this bond. The absence of an expressed commitment to Israel at the Town Hall may leave voters questioning where Harris stands on this critical issue.
A Final Note on American Unity
While deflecting from the original question, Harris used the public discourse as a platform to promote a vision of unity in American politics. She talked about the importance of maintaining healthy debates and eliminating hate rhetoric, encouraging voters to rethink the civic standards demanded of their leaders.
This story was first published on foxnews.com.