Kamala Harris’s Unique Approach to Bipartisanship
Vice President Kamala Harris has articulated a distinct vision for her administration, one that sets her apart from President Biden’s approach. A key aspect of her strategy is the intention to appoint a Republican to her cabinet, a move that is both bold and emblematic of her commitment to bipartisanship. Historically, this practice was not uncommon; former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama both included members of the opposing party in their cabinets, fostering a spirit of cooperation across political lines.
However, the tradition saw a decline during Donald J. Trump’s presidency, when no significant bipartisan appointments were made. Although Trump attempted to recruit Senator Heidi Heitkamp, a Democrat from North Dakota, to join his administration, he ultimately did not follow through with any Republican appointments. In contrast, President Biden’s cabinet selections also leaned exclusively towards Democrats, leaving little room for Republican voices.
As Harris campaigns alongside former Representative Liz Cheney from Wyoming, she is strategically positioning herself to attract moderate Republican voters. Cheney, known for her outspoken opposition to Trump and her role in the investigation of the January 6 Capitol riot, represents a powerful symbol of the kind of Republican that Harris is looking to include in her cabinet.
While Harris has been tactful in keeping her potential choices under wraps, she has expressed admiration for Cheney. In a conversation with Howard Stern, when asked about Cheney possibly being her pick, Harris replied, “I’ve got to win. But the thing about Liz Cheney, let me just say, she’s remarkable.” This statement underscores her acknowledgment of Cheney’s significance in appealing to conservative women in suburban districts, who may be disenchanted with Trump but are not yet fully supportive of Harris.
In light of Harris’s commitment to a bipartisan cabinet, we reached out to several Republican figures to gauge their interest in potentially serving in her administration. It is generally considered inappropriate for individuals to publicly express a desire for cabinet positions, especially while an election is still pending. As a result, many of those approached chose to redirect attention to others they believed would be more suitable candidates.
Potential Republican Choices for Harris’s Cabinet
- Liz Cheney – The former congresswoman is the most prominent name in discussions around potential cabinet appointments for Harris. Her fierce stance against Trump and her advocacy for accountability resonate with many voters looking for integrity in leadership.
- Moderate Republican Governors – Several governors from traditionally Republican states have embraced more centrist policies, which may align with Harris’s agenda of inclusivity and bipartisanship.
- Former Republican Officials – Individuals who have served in previous administrations and have shown a willingness to collaborate across party lines could also be viable candidates.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Harris’s bold strategy to restore bipartisanship in her cabinet could redefine the norms of governance in the United States.
