Harris faces major challenge amid Middle East tensions

As the US election approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris is facing challenges from Middle East tensions.

The challenge for Ms. Harris

Amid growing conflict in the Middle East, Vice President Kamala Harris is facing a series of major challenges as she adjusts her message to the complex situation at hand.

The escalation between Israel and Iran has forced Harris to clarify the Biden administration’s position on defending its traditional ally while not ignoring the suffering of the Gaza people. This is a difficult task, as she must not only show support for Israel but also find a way to show empathy for the people suffering in this situation.

Smoke and flames rise in the southern suburbs of Beirut in Lebanon following an Israeli airstrike, seen from Sin el Fil, Lebanon on October 6. Photo: CNN

Ms. Harris has tried to mobilize voters in a variety of forums, from talks with the Arab-American community to major television shows.

In an interview on “The Late Show” with Stephen Colbert, she stressed that the United States must maintain its commitment to Israel, but also call for a peaceful solution for the people of Gaza. This approach was seen as an attempt to balance the two sides in a tense situation, but it also brought her criticism from both sides.

Opposition groups have criticized Harris for not being strong enough in condemning Israel's military actions and say she needs to show more concern for the damage the conflict is causing to innocent civilians.

Some young voters and progressive groups feel “left behind” by the current administration’s policies, leading them to support outside candidates, which could hurt Ms. Harris in the upcoming election.

​Accordingly, the Arab American community has had mixed reactions to Ms. Harris's approach. Some members of this community have criticized Ms. Harris for not being strong enough in asking the Biden administration to apply stronger measures to prevent the escalation of the conflict. They also said that Ms. Harris's way of expressing the issue was too soft and lacked determination, which made them feel unrepresented in the Government's policies.

One of the organizations that has spoken out strongly is "Abandon Harris". They believe that if Ms. Harris cannot adjust her policies and message to reflect the reality in Gaza, they will have to look for other options in the election.

Vice President Kamala Harris. Photo: CNN

Demand clearer and stronger messages

In addition to pressure from voters, Ms. Harris also faces skepticism from Israel supporters, who worry that she may be too sensitive to Palestinian demands, which could weaken the US position in the region. Others say she needs to have a clearer and stronger message to protect US interests without damaging relations with important allies.

In response to these criticisms, Harris has sought to solidify her position in public statements, emphasizing that the United States will always stand by Israel in self-defense. But she has also been quick to emphasize the importance of preventing unnecessary civilian casualties in Gaza. This approach represents an attempt to “untangle” conflicting messages from the Biden administration.

Harris said that a shift in policy approach could benefit both sides in this crisis. In recent statements, she has called on all parties involved to do more to end the conflict and find a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

She affirmed that the United States has a responsibility not only to support Israel but also to play a role in promoting peace and stability in the region. These calls are not only to show support for allies but also to express the desire for a more peaceful future for people on both sides.

As such, Ms. Harris is facing a difficult situation as the time to the US election approaches. With polls showing her support declining among the Arab-American community and young voters, she needs to quickly find the right direction to consolidate her position.

In addition to continuing to try to continue to connect with domestic voters, Ms. Harris also needs to present a clearer and stronger message to attract support from communities that are concerned about the current situation.

Despite the huge challenges ahead, the ability to face and overcome these difficulties will determine Ms. Harris' political future in the coming time.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/bau-cu-my-2024-ba-harris-doi-dien-thach-thuc-lon-giua-cang-thang-trung-dong-355633.html