Gordon L. Weil
During the Democratic National Convention, news analysts repeatedly
say that Kamala Harris had better hurry up and define her policies before Trump
does it for her, putting her on the defensive.
They start from a false premise. She has stated these major policy positions:
Reproductive choice (formerly known as abortion
rights). She is outspoken on this key
issue and wants a federal guarantee of this right. By contrast, Trump varies between banning it nationally
and state action.
Economy. She has
proposed traditional Democratic pump-priming measures to stimulate housing and
jobs. She wants anti-gouging laws as some states, like
Texas, already have. She favors an independent Federal Reserve. By contrast, Trump favors wealth
accumulation, which should be an incentive to striving workers. This is even
less than trickle-down. He would end Fed
independence.
Immigration. She
supports bi-partisan legislation, which Trump instructed the GOP to block, so
he could later get the credit for it. She
also supports Biden’s immigration controls which are working with Mexican help.
Trump wants to deport millions of long-term residents, that would undermine the
economy. Plus, the wall.
Labor unions. She
supports them and their greater role.
Trump would fire people who seek to organize.
Israel-Palestine. She
supports immediate cease-fire, but cannot depart from Biden policy on arms
sales. The country can have only one
foreign policy at a time. Trump supports
Netanyahu, so could not broker peace.
This is a loose end for Harris, but you cannot negotiate independently
from Biden or by showing your hand publicly.
In a short campaign, the candidates can focus on a few of
the most major issues. They have done so
and have contrasting positions. The
pundits should back off.
Finally, Trump sees America as failing; Harris sees it
rising. It’s the “vision thing.”
