Vice President Kamala Harris has once again demonstrated her uncanny knack for dodging tough questions. During a recent interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes, she posed a particularly straightforward query concerning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s status as a U.S. ally. Instead of giving a simple “yes” or “no,” Harris went on a tangent, directing the conversation toward the broader alliance between Americans and Israelis. This is rich coming from a political figure who is frequently caught between her administration’s appeasement policies and a significant portion of her voter base that is decidedly anti-Israel.
This cliffhanger of an answer comes at an opportune time—just as the world marks one year since Hamas launched its horrific assault on the Israeli populace. Instead of rallying behind a key ally, Harris and her fellow travelers in the Biden administration have been tiptoeing around the issue, calling for ceasefires. At the same time, Israel stands resolute against a murderous regime. It’s almost as if Harris believes that appeasing terrorists and disregarding Israel’s right to defend itself is the path to peace despite the chaos intensifying as Iran hurls missiles at Israel. One could almost hear the awkward silence on those White House conference calls as they try to control the fallout of their conflicting messages.
AMERICAN JEWS WHO ARE STILL ASLEEP, WAKE UP
The day before the 1-year anniversary of Oct 7, Kamala Harris refuses to say that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is an ally.
This person doesn't deserve your vote pic.twitter.com/OhdQuVRcg2
— Ari Hoffman 🎗 (@thehoffather) October 7, 2024
Harris’s latest non-answer represents more than just a failure to support an ally; it showcases the struggle of a party caught in a cultural crossfire. The Democratic Party has increasingly found itself with a base that leans toward anti-Israel sentiments. Harris seems to know that any enthusiastic endorsement of Netanyahu could trigger a response more explosive than the missiles being fired from Iran—one that could undermine her presidential aspirations in 2024. In other words, it’s a political balancing act where the scales seem tipped against Israel.
In stark contrast, former President Donald Trump is loudly and proudly pro-Israel. His perspective is refreshing in a political climate where nuance is king. Trump boldly asserted that Israel should not just defend itself but proactively dismantle Iran’s nuclear threats in response to missile attacks. His supporters generally don’t bear the stain of anti-Israel sentiment, allowing him the freedom to make straightforward statements without fearing a backlash. This clear-cut approach stands in stark relief to Harris’s cryptic deflections, making it evident what voters might prioritize when they hit the ballot box.
As the 2024 election looms closer, the implications of the Democratic Party’s internal struggle regarding Israel could play a critical role. Voters in swing states, many of whom maintain a favorable view of Israel, could quickly grow weary of leaders who mince words about supporting allies. The time for ambiguity is dwindling, and the American public seems hungry for clarity. When push comes to shove, will voters choose a candidate who whispers about alliances or one who shouts out support for allies facing existential threats?