In a surprising turn of events, just two days before President Biden’s pivotal announcement about stepping back from his re-election campaign, his campaign chair emphasized on television that the President would remain in the race. Jen O’Malley Dillon confidently stated, “He is the best person to take on Donald Trump and prosecute that case.”
However, only 72 hours later, it was Vice President Kamala Harris who reiterated this stance, reviving a narrative she had previously used during her 2019 presidential run. Speaking to campaign staffers in Wilmington, Delaware, on the day after Biden endorsed her to lead the Democratic ticket, Harris highlighted her extensive background in law, stating, “Before I was elected as vice president, I served as California’s attorney general, and before that, I was a courtroom prosecutor.”
Harris’s remarks were pointed, showcasing her experience: “In those roles, I took on perpetrators of all kinds—predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers. I know Donald Trump’s type.” This declaration has quickly become a cornerstone of her campaign strategy.
Harris’ Proven Track Record
During her first presidential bid in 2019, Harris’s campaign prominently featured her prosecutorial experience, with the slogan “for the people,” which she often used in court. Today, she presents the same argument: that her legal background uniquely positions her to confront Donald Trump.
However, during her last campaign, her prosecutor history was often criticized, especially regarding her stances on marijuana legislation and truancy enforcement. Voters described her past with law enforcement in a negative light.
“They didn’t mean that as a compliment,” noted Paul Butler, a Georgetown law professor and former public prosecutor.
Changing Perceptions in 2024
As the political landscape shifts, perspectives on Harris’s prosecutorial record may evolve. Butler suggested that the ramifications of the prosecution of Donald Trump may influence how voters view criminal justice issues, stating, “Now, a lot of people on the left are all-in on prosecuting and holding Donald Trump accountable.”
Harris aims to channel her past as a prosecutor to present a balanced approach to voters across the spectrum. “Her message to more conservative audiences will emphasize that her policies demonstrate she’s not soft on crime,” Butler explained. “For progressive audiences, her experience offers unique insights into the problems within the justice system.”
Strategic Approach to Crime Issues
Harris’s strategy has consistently focused on being “smart” on crime rather than merely tough or lenient. Launching her first political campaign for San Francisco district attorney in 2003, she advocated for data-driven reforms and accountability.
Chiu, a close ally, recalled how Harris prioritized conviction rates while considering recidivism and driving reforms in the justice system, stating, “It’s about using data to manage reform.” As district attorney, she initiated programs like Back on Track, aimed at providing job training for first-time nonviolent offenders.
Despite these initiatives, her focus on reducing truancy drew significant criticism, especially during her 2019 campaign. Nevertheless, allies argue that societal views have shifted significantly. “It was a very different time in 2003 than it is in 2024,” Chiu concluded, reflecting on the changing dynamics of crime and justice.
