As January 6, 2025, approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris prepares to undertake a pivotal role in the certification of the presidential election results. This date marks a significant moment when Harris will preside over Congress to tally the electoral votes that will determine the next president of the United States. Her approach to this duty is firmly rooted in constitutional principles and a commitment to democratic norms.
According to an article by Kyle Cheney and Christopher Cadelago published in Politico, Harris has made it clear through her spokesperson, Kirsten Allen, that her role in the joint session of Congress is purely ceremonial. This means she will simply tally the electoral votes certified by the states, without interference or attempts to alter the outcome.
Harris’s stance contrasts sharply with the events of January 6, 2021, when her predecessor, Mike Pence, resisted significant pressure from then-President Donald Trump to overturn the 2020 election results. Harris has consistently praised Pence’s actions and has committed to maintaining the vice president’s traditional role, as affirmed by 2022 legislation signed by President Joe Biden.
This article underscores the historical importance of Harris’s role, noting that several past vice presidents have overseen their own ticket’s defeat during the Electoral College vote count, including Al Gore in 2001 and Richard Nixon in 1961. Despite the high stakes of the 2024 election, Harris’s commitment to the constitutional process is a reaffirmation of democratic integrity.
The contrast between Harris’s approach and Trump’s ongoing promotion of the discredited theory that the vice president can unilaterally alter the electoral outcome highlights the critical nature of her stance. Trump’s choice of JD Vance as a running mate, who has indicated willingness to follow Trump’s commands, further emphasizes the importance of Harris’s adherence to democratic norms.
As we look toward January 6, 2025, Harris’s actions will serve as a crucial affirmation of the United States’ democratic principles and the rule of law. Her role in this process is not only a testament to her commitment to the Constitution but also a vital step in preserving the integrity of the nation’s electoral system.
For more details, read the full article by Kyle Cheney and Christopher Cadelago on Politico here.