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Progressives Split Over Kamala Harris Endorsement

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Some progressives are turning against anti-Harris leftists as the 2024 presidential election approaches, fearing that their criticism could lead to a second Trump presidency.

Why it matters: The debate highlights the complex dynamics within the Democratic Party and the progressive movement, as they navigate the balance between ideological purity and strategic support for a candidate who, while not perfect, is seen as a bulwark against the perceived threat of a Trump return.

The details:

  • Many young progressives who were hesitant to support Biden now appear more willing to vote for Harris, seeing her as more palatable to both progressives and young people.
  • Some pro-Palestinian voters argue that Harris’ foreign policy would be similar to Biden’s, drawing criticism from other progressives who believe a Trump presidency would be more detrimental.
  • Progressives have previously expressed concerns about Harris’ record as California attorney general and her stance on Israel.
  • The backlash against anti-Harris leftists has been fueled by the belief that they prioritize ideological purity over tangible change and political power.

What they’re saying:

  • “Certain leftists want a 100% morally pure option that doesn’t realistically exist in our political system right now. It’s a cop-out and completely against what we on the left should stand for,” said Charley Furey, a New Jersey-based musician.
  • “What we’re having is the same argument that we have every four years, which is: Is the Democrat good enough, or is it a horrible moral compromise to vote for this candidate who doesn’t fulfill XYZ progressive morals?” said YouTube political commentator Natalie Wynn, known as ContraPoints.
  • X user @commodifythis, a pro-Palestinian advocate, has drawn backlash for stating she would not back Harris unless Harris calls for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, a stance she believes has been met with harsh and unconvincing retorts from other internet users.

The other side: Some progressives argue that unconditional support for Harris could be counterproductive and damaging to the long-term promotion of a genuine progressive agenda, as it may lead to a shift towards more centrist policies and a loss of leverage for pushing transformative change.

The bottom line: The debate among progressives reflects the complex political landscape and the challenges of balancing strategic support for a candidate with the need for accountability and advocacy for progressive values in the face of a perceived existential threat.


Full story

The debate surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris and her potential presidential run has sparked a divide among progressive voters.

While some are eager to support Harris in the face of a possible second Trump presidency, others are hesitant to offer their unconditional endorsement. Many young progressives who were initially skeptical of a Biden presidency now see Harris as a more palatable option.

They argue that the threat posed by Trump’s potential return to power outweighs their reservations about Harris’s record.

Charley Furey, a musician from New Jersey, expressed his concerns about the impact of a second Trump term on LGBTQ+ rights. He believes that some leftists are seeking an unrealistic level of moral purity in candidates, which he sees as a “cop-out” and against progressive values.

However, not all progressives are ready to back Harris without conditions. Some have criticized her stance on Israel and her record as California’s attorney general. They argue that unconditional support for the Democratic nominee could undermine the progressive agenda in the long run.

YouTube commentator ContraPoints, whose real name is Natalie Wynn, sees this debate as a recurring tension within the left.

Progressives debate Kamala Harris endorsement

She questions whether the Democratic candidate is ever “good enough” for some progressives, who she believes have failed to organize tangible change beyond voter suppression campaigns.

Pro-Palestinian advocate @commodifythis has faced backlash for stating that she would only support Harris if she calls for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza. She finds the harsh retorts from other internet users unempathetic and unconvincing. Despite these reservations, many progressives see Harris as more electable than Biden, particularly among young voters.

Amelia Kimball, a college student at the University of Texas at Austin, believes that Harris’s youth and ability to answer questions coherently make her more appealing than Biden, who had become “incredibly uninspiring.”

Wynn acknowledges that finding a “perfect candidate” in a major presidential nominee is unlikely, given that American presidential elections are largely decided by Midwestern swing-state voters rather than socialists on Twitter. Supporting Harris in the upcoming election does not mean giving the Democratic Party a free pass. It involves recognizing the differences between her potential policies and those of a Trump administration while continuing to hold her accountable and push for more transformative policies.

The responsibility lies with the US Left to support Harris strategically while maintaining an independent stance that allows for criticism and advocacy. This dual approach ensures that progressive movements remain influential in pushing any administration towards greater social justice, economic equity, and environmental sustainability. The stark contrast between Trump’s authoritarian tendencies and Harris’s potential to uphold democratic and progressive values cannot be understated.

The US Left must navigate this complex political terrain with both strategic support and unwavering accountability.


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  • NBCNews.”With Trump in mind, some progressives online turn against anti-Harris leftists”.
  • WorkersLiberty.”Debate: Kamala Harris and the Left”.
  • CommonDreams.”Opinion | Why the Left Must Resist Unconditionally Backing Harris”.

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