Harris's 2028 Presidential Bid Strategy: Engaging with NYC Mayor, Pro-Palestine Activists

(CNA Washington, July 1st, Foreign News) U.S. news website Axios reported that former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris privately called New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani last week and has recently held lengthy closed-door meetings with other prominent progressives, including pro-Palestine activists.

The report suggests this is the latest sign that the former vice president is paving the way for a potential White House bid in 2028 while seeking to consolidate or mend her relationship with the Democratic Party's left wing.

A source familiar with the matter stated that Harris called Mamdani on June 25th to discuss the future of the Democratic Party and plan for more in-depth discussions.

Harris has occasionally exchanged messages with Mamdani in recent months. All three candidates endorsed by Mamdani won their primaries in three New York congressional districts, defeating establishment incumbents and their supported candidates. Harris called Mamdani two days later.

When the Power Rising summit for the empowerment of Black women was held in Chicago in April, Harris met with New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the sidelines.

Over the past year, Harris and her team have engaged multiple times with pro-Palestine activists, including at least one individual who helped lead the "Uncommitted Movement." This movement initially arose in opposition to former President Biden's Gaza war policies.

Last week in Detroit, Harris met with Abbas Alawieh, co-founder of the "Uncommitted Movement." Alawieh is currently running for Michigan State Senator as a Democrat. He has stated he would vote for Harris in 2024.

Sources indicate that Harris has also recently spoken with James Zogby, a long-time member of the Democratic National Committee who advocates for Palestinian rights.

Alawieh stated in an interview that the aforementioned meetings were proactively initiated by Harris after months of private contact. Zogby, as well as spokespersons for Harris and Mamdani, declined to comment.

Sources revealed that Harris and her team have also been in contact with former staff and other Democrats to exchange views on issues such as China, artificial intelligence, and Venezuela.

During the 2024 election campaign, many on the Democratic left expressed disappointment that Harris did not distance herself from President Biden's pro-Israel stance.

Some pro-Palestine individuals question whether Harris can win the support of Arab American and progressive voters in the future without making significant concessions.

Harris remains in first or top-tier positions in various early polls for the 2028 Democratic presidential primaries, but she faces skepticism from the left, moderates, and donors alike.

Harris's policy direction is not clear. In the 2020 Democratic primaries, she ran on a progressive platform, including being an early supporter of Senator Bernie Sanders' "Medicare for All Bill," but she has distanced herself from several such ideals in 2024.

If she runs, she will not be able to position herself as the universally favored candidate, and many within the party are skeptical about her ability to win a general election after 2024.

Despite this, Harris often receives "rock star" welcomes in many parts of the United States, especially in the South, which is crucial for any Democratic primary. (Translator: Ho, Hung-Jou) 1150701)