DiscoverThe NPR Politics PodcastWill Harris Break With Biden On Israel-Gaza Policy?
Will Harris Break With Biden On Israel-Gaza Policy?

Will Harris Break With Biden On Israel-Gaza Policy?

Update: 2024-07-252
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This podcast explores Vice President Kamala Harris's approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict, highlighting her emphasis on Palestinian civilian suffering and the humanitarian crisis. While her policy positions align with President Biden's, her focus on this aspect has garnered attention and could potentially impact voters, particularly in swing states with significant Arab-American populations. The podcast also delves into the perception of Harris as a "blank slate" in the 2024 election, discussing the challenges she faces in defining herself and deflecting Republican attacks. The conflict in Gaza adds another layer of complexity to her campaign, as she navigates the political pressures to comment on the conflict while also maintaining support from key Democratic constituencies. The podcast analyzes Harris's recent statements on protests against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, highlighting the shift in her approach as she transitions from vice president to presidential candidate.

Outlines

00:00:33
Harris's Stance on the Israel-Gaza Conflict and its Impact on Voters

This chapter discusses Vice President Kamala Harris's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict and how it differs from President Biden's. While both share similar policy positions, Harris's emphasis on Palestinian civilian suffering and humanitarian crisis has garnered attention. The chapter explores the potential impact of this approach on voters, particularly in swing states like Michigan and Georgia.

00:07:42
Harris's 2024 Election Strategy and the Challenges Ahead

This chapter delves into the perception of Harris as a "blank slate" in the 2024 election. While she has yet to articulate a distinct policy vision, she benefits from a window of opportunity to appeal to undecided voters. The chapter discusses the potential challenges she faces in defining herself and deflecting Republican attacks.

00:10:40
The Israel-Gaza Conflict and its Impact on Harris's Political Maneuvers

This chapter explores the possibility of a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict and its potential impact on Harris's campaign. While the Biden administration is actively pursuing a deal, the chapter highlights the political pressures Harris faces to comment on the conflict. It analyzes her recent statements on protests against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and the potential for Republican criticism.

Keywords

Kamala Harris


Kamala Harris is the current Vice President of the United States and a Democratic candidate for the 2024 presidential election. She served as the Attorney General of California from 2011 to 2017 and as a U.S. Senator from California from 2017 to 2021.

Israel-Gaza Conflict


The Israel-Gaza conflict is a long-standing and complex geopolitical issue involving Israel and the Palestinian territories. It has been marked by violence, displacement, and political deadlock.

Benjamin Netanyahu


Benjamin Netanyahu is the current Prime Minister of Israel. He has been a prominent figure in Israeli politics for decades and has held the office of Prime Minister multiple times.

Arab-American Community


The Arab-American community is a diverse group of Americans with origins in the Arab world. It is a significant demographic group in several states, including Michigan and Georgia.

Swing States


Swing states are states in the United States that are considered to be competitive in presidential elections. They are often targeted by campaigns due to their potential to determine the outcome of the election.

Ceasefire


A ceasefire is an agreement between warring parties to temporarily stop fighting. It is often used to allow for negotiations or humanitarian aid.

Protests


Protests are public demonstrations of dissent or support for a particular cause. They can take various forms, including marches, rallies, and sit-ins.

Anti-Semitism


Anti-Semitism is prejudice, discrimination, or hostility directed at Jews. It has a long and tragic history and continues to be a serious problem in many parts of the world.

Q&A

  • How does Vice President Harris's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict differ from President Biden's?

    While both share similar policy positions, Harris emphasizes Palestinian civilian suffering and the humanitarian crisis, which has garnered attention. This approach could potentially impact voters, particularly in swing states with significant Arab-American populations.

  • What are the potential challenges facing Harris as she navigates the 2024 election?

    Harris faces the challenge of defining herself and deflecting Republican attacks. She needs to appeal to undecided voters while also maintaining support from key Democratic constituencies. The conflict in Gaza adds another layer of complexity to her campaign.

  • What is the significance of Harris's recent statements on protests against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu?

    Her statements highlight the political pressures she faces to comment on the conflict. While she condemned violence and anti-Semitism, her forceful condemnation differed in tone from previous statements, suggesting a shift in her approach as she transitions from vice president to presidential candidate.

Show Notes

The vice president has been more vocal on the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza strip than President Biden, but she has maintained the administration's united front on policy. Will her position change as the campaign goes on?

This episode: voting correspondent Ashley Lopez, political correspondent Susan Davis, and White House correspondent Asma Khalid.

The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our intern is Bria Suggs. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.

Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.

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Will Harris Break With Biden On Israel-Gaza Policy?

Will Harris Break With Biden On Israel-Gaza Policy?