The White House has recently emphasized Vice President Kamala Harris' involvement in foreign policy following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he will not seek reelection. This shift has been noticeable in public statements and official documents under review.
Harris has increasingly been featured in discussions about major foreign policy matters, including her participation in calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has also praised Harris' role in shaping the administration's strategy in Asia, particularly the Indo-Pacific region.
In recent months, there has been a notable increase in references to Harris in relation to Biden's foreign engagements. For instance, an official summary from August 1 highlighted that Harris was present during Biden’s call with Netanyahu. Similarly, reports from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago mentioned her participation in discussions with Netanyahu.
Previously, mentions of Harris in these contexts were sparse. Between the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and July 25, there were no recorded mentions of her involvement in Biden's calls with Netanyahu. The White House has since made it a point to showcase her presence in important conversations, which is seen as a sign of her significant role in the administration.
Halie Soifer, a former national security adviser to Harris, noted that having both the President and Vice President on critical calls underscores the importance of the discussions. She highlighted that Harris' involvement in over 20 calls with Israeli officials reflects the administration’s commitment to Israel.
As Harris has taken on more visible roles in significant foreign policy achievements, including support for Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific strategy, the White House appears to be bolstering her foreign policy profile. This move comes amid Republican critiques of Harris' performance in the administration's handling of Afghanistan and the Middle East.
John Hannah, a former foreign policy aide, suggested that the White House’s efforts to spotlight Harris’ role might be a strategic response to criticisms and a way to address perceived weaknesses in her foreign policy experience.
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