USA Expert: Tougher Israel Stance Can Benefit Harris

A tougher line on Israel can help Kamala Harris, who by all accounts will be the Democrats' candidate in the American presidential election, to win votes. Many younger voters are very upset about the war in Gaza, notes the political scientist and US expert Emma Ricknell.

» Published:

USA Expert: Tougher Israel Stance Can Benefit Harris
Photo: LM Otero/AP/TT

Share this article

A tougher line on Israel can help Kamala Harris, who is likely to become the Democratic candidate in the American presidential election, to win votes.

Many younger voters are very upset about the war in Gaza, notes political scientist and US expert Emma Ricknell.

Israel's ongoing war against terrorist-stamped Hamas will be a burning issue for Joe Biden's successor as presidential candidate. During the spring, several pro-Palestinian demonstrations have erupted in the US – not least at universities.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently in Washington. On Wednesday, at 20 Swedish time, he will hold a speech in Congress, but according to sources to CNN, Harris will not attend.

Instead, they will meet separately, according to anonymous sources close to Harris for Politico.

Harris has expressed support for the civilian victims in Gaza on several occasions and has also encouraged a ceasefire.

Can attract younger voters

Emma Ricknell, US expert and political scientist at Linnaeus University, believes that the Vice President's expressed support for the people in Gaza can attract, above all, younger voters.

Harris was early in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. She can benefit from showing herself stronger against Israel, she says.

An escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas could force Harris to take a stand.

Then it's about her showing her mettle.

The choice of Harris could mean a tougher line against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ricknell assesses.

Within the party, there are voices that criticize Biden for not going out strongly enough against Netanyahu, and among them, there is probably a hope for a clearer line, she says.

Abortion issue a strong card

The abortion issue can also become a strong card for Harris. "An attack on freedom" she called the decision to repeal the national abortion protection in 2022, and many analysts are convinced that Harris will raise the issue in her campaign.

Ricknell believes that especially black women will be attracted to the polls if Harris takes over as the Democratic presidential candidate.

I recently saw an opinion poll that shows Biden has lost a lot of confidence among black female voters. It's possible that Harris can scoop them up again, she says.

But above all, I think Kamala Harris has the opportunity to win over Democratic voters who feel that they don't want to vote at all. We'll see if she can mobilize them, says Ricknell.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Israel Launches Air and Ground Offensive on Gaza City

Israel Launches Air and Ground Offensive on Gaza City

White House Vows Action Against Left-Wing Extremism After Kirk's Death

White House Vows Action Against Left-Wing Extremism After Kirk's Death

US Dismisses Israeli Attacks on Qatar Amid Tensions

US Dismisses Israeli Attacks on Qatar Amid Tensions

Trump Deploys National Guard to Memphis Amid Crime Concerns

Trump Deploys National Guard to Memphis Amid Crime Concerns

Trump Announces US Attack on Venezuela Narcotics Boat

Trump Announces US Attack on Venezuela Narcotics Boat

UN Reports Over 250 Journalists Killed in Gaza Conflict

UN Reports Over 250 Journalists Killed in Gaza Conflict

Drone Incident Over Polish Presidential Palace Leads to Arrests

Drone Incident Over Polish Presidential Palace Leads to Arrests

British Fighter Jets Join NATO Air Defense in Poland

British Fighter Jets Join NATO Air Defense in Poland

Spain Criticizes Israel Amid Protests and Government Actions

Spain Criticizes Israel Amid Protests and Government Actions

Former Soldier Faces Trial for 1972 Bloody Sunday Killings

Former Soldier Faces Trial for 1972 Bloody Sunday Killings

Channel 4 to Air Special on Trump's False Claims During UK Visit

Channel 4 to Air Special on Trump's False Claims During UK Visit

Starmer Criticizes Musk's Speech as Dangerous and Inflammatory

Starmer Criticizes Musk's Speech as Dangerous and Inflammatory

FBI: DNA Links Suspect to Charlie Kirk's Murder

FBI: DNA Links Suspect to Charlie Kirk's Murder

Qatar to Review Diplomatic and Economic Ties with Israel

Qatar to Review Diplomatic and Economic Ties with Israel

Over 300 Korean Workers Flown Home on Korean Air Charter After Georgia Detention

Over 300 Korean Workers Flown Home on Korean Air Charter After Georgia Detention

Green Party Uses Humor in Norwegian Government Talks

Green Party Uses Humor in Norwegian Government Talks

Rubio Affirms US Unwavering Support for Israel's Gaza Goals

Rubio Affirms US Unwavering Support for Israel's Gaza Goals

Ukraine Faces Intensified Russian Drone and Missile Attacks: Is Air Defense Enough?

Ukraine Faces Intensified Russian Drone and Missile Attacks: Is Air Defense Enough?

Thunberg's Convoy Departs Tunisia for Gaza with Aid and Activists

Thunberg's Convoy Departs Tunisia for Gaza with Aid and Activists

1,200 Civilians Affected by Cluster Bombs in Ukraine Since 2022

1,200 Civilians Affected by Cluster Bombs in Ukraine Since 2022