As the presidential race heats up between Vice President Harris and former President Trump, the Supreme Court is becoming an increasingly issue. Traditionally, the high court is a focal point in presidential elections due to the president’s role in appointing justices. However, this year, with Harris emerging as the likely Democratic nominee following President Biden’s withdrawal, the court’s role has gained even more prominence.
Biden’s decision to endorse Harris as his successor has positioned the Democratic ticket to be led by a Black and Indian American woman, adding a new dimension to debates about the conservative court’s impact on topics like abortion and affirmative action.
Trump’s three Supreme Court appointments, which contributed to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, are expected to be a major point of contention in the upcoming election. The clash between Trump and Harris, who champions abortion rights, will be the first since the controversial decision.
Kamala Harris’s focus on expanding reproductive rights aligns with her broader campaign agenda
Harris has supported Biden’s proposed reforms to the Supreme Court, which include imposing 18-year term limits on justices, instituting a code of conduct, and pursuing a constitutional amendment to partially overturn recent high court rulings on presidential immunity. However, passing such reforms would be challenging, requiring substantial legislative support and ratification by a majority of states.
Despite Republican opposition labeling the proposal as partisan and extreme, Harris’s backing of court reform highlights Democrats’ strategy to make the Supreme Court a central campaign issue. The court’s approval ratings have dropped to a record low, exacerbating concerns about its role and decisions.
Harris’s past experience on the Senate Judiciary Committee, where she rigorously questioned Trump’s Supreme Court nominees, underscores her commitment to court reform. Her focus on expanding reproductive rights aligns with her broader campaign agenda, appealing particularly to younger voters advocating for change. Public opinion shows broad support for reforms like term limits and ethics codes, suggesting that Harris’s stance could resonate with many voters.
If elected, Harris may need to tackle court reform to fulfill her campaign promises effectively.
