Trump Should Be Very Nervous About This Part of Kamala Harris’ DNC Speech
SlateThe biggest surprise on the last night of the Democratic convention wasn’t that Beyoncé or Taylor Swift didn’t show up. In her acceptance speech Harris also said, “I will make sure that we lead the world into the future on space and artificial intelligence; that America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century; and that we strengthen, not abdicate, our global leadership.” She added, “I will stand strong with Ukraine and our NATO allies.” All of this amounts to continuity with the strong points of President Joe Biden’s foreign policy—and a contrast to Trump, who has no vision for “global leadership,” who has threatened to abandon NATO, and whose plan to end Russia’s war on Ukraine is to cut off all aid to Kyiv. Some, including Biden, have noted America’s “ironclad commitment” to Israel’s defense while also calling for greater care in minimizing the deaths and suffering of Palestinian civilians. She could have also mentioned her crucial meetings with Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., around the time that he was moving back into America’s orbit and away from China’s—and her leading role in coordinating renewed diplomacy between the Philippines and Japan. More important than her 17 foreign trips to 21 countries or her meetings with more than 150 leaders, she could also have mentioned that, as vice president, she has attended almost every National Security Council meeting and almost all of the president’s intelligence briefings —not just listening in, but often, according to several officials I interviewed, taking part, asking crucial questions and suggesting policy plans.