CNN Republican commentator Scott Jennings stirred up conversation when he jokingly labeled Vice President Kamala Harris an “honorary Republican,” citing her apparent shifts in policy positions as she continues her bid for the presidency.
Jennings’ comments came after Harris, the default Democratic nominee, appeared to walk back several of her more liberal stances from her 2019 presidential campaign, in a clear attempt to distance herself from the Biden administration and appeal to a broader base.
In recent weeks, Harris has seemingly been stepping away from her previously staunchly progressive positions. Reports indicate that her campaign has been quietly leaking her policy reversals to friendly media outlets, possibly to avoid the perception of blatant flip-flopping. Notably, her campaign surrogates have worked to distance her from her current role as Vice President under President Joe Biden, all while adopting policies more in line with those touted by her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump.
Last night’s closing thought on @CNN: the Democratic nominee for president wants to pump oil and encourage gun ownership? Not sure I believe it but welcome Kamala Harris…honorary Republican of the night! pic.twitter.com/PF9JG53V7e
— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) September 12, 2024
Harris’ campaign has also added a long-awaited policy section to her website, but critics quickly noted that much of the content appeared to be lifted directly from Biden’s campaign site, despite Harris’ claims of being a fresh face for change. Jennings, during a panel discussion on CNN hosted by Abby Phillip, highlighted the irony of Harris’ new political persona, which seems to mirror some key Republican positions.
Jennings quipped, “I was scrolling through the debate news today and I read headlines that say things like, ‘Why Kamala Harris has embraced America’s oil boom,’ ‘Harris embraces U.S. fossil fuels,’ ‘Harris: frack on, my dudes,’ ‘Harris embraces oil and gas on debate stage,’ and then I heard her say she’s a gun owner.”
He went on to sarcastically welcome Harris into the Republican fold, noting her sudden embrace of traditionally conservative policies. “And I don’t know if she means it or not,” he added, “but it is a step in the right direction when a national Democrat can embrace fossil fuels and gun ownership at the same time. Welcome Kamala Harris, honorary Republican of the night.”
Jennings’ comments point to a broader criticism that Harris is attempting to redefine herself in response to an increasingly competitive race. The vice president’s new stances on issues like fossil fuels and gun ownership mark a stark departure from her earlier platform, leading many to question the sincerity of these shifts.
For Republicans like Jennings, the sudden pivot feels opportunistic, while for Democrats, it raises concerns about the consistency of Harris’ positions as she seeks to court undecided voters.
