Kamala Harris, the Vice President, enters the election spotlight with her eyes firmly on the prize. Her agenda is filled with extensive campaign efforts and policy briefings, avoiding any premature discussions about her potential administration. This cautious approach underscores her commitment to immediate campaign goals.
Amidst the election fervour, Harris’ tendency to sidestep discussions on potential administrative appointments reflects a strategic focus. Her campaign is driven by the belief that winning the election must precede any transition planning. Such a stance demonstrates Harris’s disciplined and logical decision-making process.
In the whirlwind of the 2024 election campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris maintains a packed agenda. Her schedule consists of multi-state campaign stops, briefings from advisers on a range of issues, and continuous communication with supporters and stakeholders. Harris’ commitment to winning the election against Donald Trump is evident, as she prioritizes immediate electoral goals over future administrative planning.
Harris has made it explicitly clear to her aides that she is not engaging in conversations about who might serve in her potential administration. This decision is rooted in both superstition and a strategic focus on winning the election first. “She’s superstitious,” a long-time associate mentioned, emphasizing her preference to concentrate on current objectives.
Interestingly, this cautious approach mirrors that of Donald Trump, who also avoids transition planning before winning the election. Trump has resisted taking formal steps towards transition planning, a move experts warn could jeopardise a smooth transfer of power. Both Harris and Trump share a belief that such planning might bring bad luck.
Despite Harris’ reluctance to plan publicly, her transition team is actively working behind the scenes. Operating from government offices in Washington, they focus on building infrastructure to support a future administration. This includes meetings with federal agency transition planners, preparing for all post-election scenarios, and ensuring readiness should Harris emerge victorious.
Speculation about Harris’ potential Cabinet appointments remains rife in Democratic circles. Unlike Biden’s 2020 campaign, where names were floated in advance, Harris has kept her potential administrative choices under wraps. This decision aims to avoid unnecessary distractions and maintain secrecy until the election outcome is known.
Impact of a Same-Party Transition
A Harris victory would result in the first same-party presidential transition since 1989. This could lead to uncertainties regarding staffing and continuity within the administration. While it is typical for political appointees to resign with a new presidency, Harris might retain some Biden holdovers if Republicans secure the Senate, thus avoiding lengthy confirmation battles.
Yohannes Abraham, the former ambassador to the ASEAN, leads Harris’ transition efforts. He, along with other key figures like Josh Hsu and Dana Remus, have been instrumental in planning and ensuring that the team can pivot swiftly post-election. The transition team is prepared to spring into action with agency review teams and appoint key figures should Harris win.
Potential Changes in Administration
If Harris wins the presidency, significant changes in the administration are expected. She is likely to appoint her own White House Chief of Staff and senior advisors, along with substantial Cabinet turnover. Harris’ existing chief of staff, Lorraine Voles, is not anticipated to transition to the White House role.
Harris’ team remains focused on preparing for the post-election landscape, even considering scenarios where the election results are delayed. Their efforts ensure a strategic response to various outcomes, reflecting Harris’ methodical and linear thinking pattern, prioritising immediate tasks while laying groundwork for future challenges.
Harris’ steadfast focus on the current electoral battle, rather than future positions, highlights her strategic discipline. The preparations by her transition team ensure readiness for any post-election scenario. Ultimately, Harris’ pragmatic approach may prove essential in securing an electoral victory.
