Kamala Harris journey to become the first Black and South Asian vice president of the United States is nothing short of groundbreaking. Now, as the 2024 presidential nominee, understanding Kamala Harris political stances offers valuable insight into her vision for the future.What key issues define her political agenda, and how might they affect her candidacy and the shaping of the nation? Lets take a look at her stances to explore these questions further. Related How much do you know about Kamala Harris and her stance on LGBTQ+ rights? She could become president. Heres a closer look at her history on LGBTQ+ stances. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today GazaAs the Democratic presidential nominee, Harris has articulated her robust support for Israels right to defend itself, emphasizing the necessity of protection against threats from militant groups like Hamas. At the same time, she has acknowledged the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, highlighting its severe impact on Palestinian civilians.In her recent remarks, Harris affirmed her commitment to working with President Joe Biden to negotiate a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Now is the time to get a hostage deal and a cease-fire deal done, she asserted in her Democratic National Convention speech.Moreover, Harris has consistently addressed the rights of Palestinians, advocating for their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination. Her stance underscores a nuanced approach, aiming to maintain support from both pro-Israel Democrats and those advocating for Palestinian rights. However, her campaign has said she doesnt support an embargo on the sale of U.S. weapons to Israel, something long sought by pro-Palestinian protestors. She risks alienating them and other progressive voters if she doesnt explain how her administration would differ from the current ones approach.If she becomes president, Harris is expected to replace some of the chief architects of the Biden administrations strategy in Gaza, The Wall Street Journal reported. Her national security adviser, Philip Gordon, has emphasized the need for diplomatic (rather than military) foreign policy solutions. However, she has not yet laid out concrete details about the diplomatic levers she could use to force Israel to end its targeting of Palestinian civilians. AbortionKamala Harris has consistently championed the need to protect reproductive rights, advocating for national legislation that mirrors the protections once granted by Roe v. Wade. In the aftermath of the Supreme Courts 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision, which overturned Roe, Harris emerged as a key figure in the Biden administrations efforts to keep the issue at the forefront. Her proactive stance was underscored by a historic visit to an abortion clinic, marking the first such visit by a sitting vice president.During her tenure in the Senate, Harris was a vocal supporter of abortion rights. Sheco-sponsored legislationto ban states from restricting abortion rights and opposed a bill to ban abortions after20 weeks of pregnancy. She has also advocated for laws requiring states with histories of restricting abortion rights to obtain federal approval for new abortion-related laws. In her speech at the end of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, she mentioned that former President Donald Trump and his conservative allies are out of their minds for intending to empower extremists, cut social programs, and outlaw abortion across the country. Related Dobbs had the opposite effect conservatives intended People are seeking abortions more than ever. Taxing the richKamala Harris supports a comprehensive tax plan that would increase taxes on the wealthiest Americans and large corporations to generate nearly $5 trillion in revenue over the next decade. She would increase taxes on individuals earning more than $400,000 a year a group representing approximately 1.8% ofAmericas top income earners. She has pledged to ensure that middle and lower-income families dont face increased tax burdens.Additionally, Harris wants to raise the corporate tax rate from the existing 21% to 28%, which would generate an estimated $1.3 trillion over ten years, according to the Treasury Department. By targeting affluent individuals and major corporations, she seeks to address economic disparities and secure funding for essential government initiatives without affecting the broader population.Her campaign spokesman, James Singer, articulated her vision by saying the plan is a fiscally responsible way to put money back in the pockets of working people and ensure billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share. HealthcareDuring her 2019 presidential campaign, Harris supported the introduction of a Medicare-for-all public option that would allow people to choose between public and private health insurance. While she has since backed away from this plan, during her time in the Senate, she supported bills that expanded Medicare coverage in individual states. She has supported the Inflation Reduction Act, which allows the federal government to negotiate drug prices for those most commonly prescribed under Medicare. As vice president, she has also spoken about the Biden administrations efforts to reduce medical debt.During her current presidential campaign, she has pledged to improve healthcare access by reducing drug prices and expanding coverage under the 2010 Affordable Care Act, a federal law that Republicans have long sought to repeal. She has also publicly opposed Republican proposals to privatize or cut health care programs for elderly and lower-income Americans. The 2024 Democratic National Platform has also pledged toensure that health insurers adequately cover mental health and substance use treatment. The environmentKamala Harris has taken a unique approach to addressing climate change by framing it as an issue of freedom and patriotism. During her speech at the Democratic National Convention, she emphasized the importance of environmental protection as a fundamental right, stating that the freedom to breathe clean air, and drink clean water and live free from the pollution that fuels the climate crisis is at stake.Although she has not introduced new policies for tackling climate change, she has supported the Biden Administrations pledges to fight climate change, pledged U.S. investments into helping other countries fight climate change, and previously supported the Green New Deal, which would invest federal funds into state and local efforts to end pollution and build renewable energy sources. LGBTQ+ issuesKamala Harris has consistently demonstrated her commitment to LGBTQ+ equality, building a record of support that spans her career in public service. As Californias Attorney General, Harris played a pivotal role in restoring marriage equality in the state by refusing to defend Proposition 8, a voter-approved measure that had revoked the right to same-sex marriage. Her decisive actions helped pave the way for the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that ultimately struck down the proposition.Beyond marriage equality, Harris has actively worked to dismantle harmful legal precedents, including leading efforts to abolish gay and transgender panic defenses in criminal trials. Her advocacy extends to healthcare as well, where she has pushed for insurance coverage of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a crucial method for HIV prevention.As a vocal opponent of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Harris has condemned policies that restrict the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those affecting transgender youth. She emphasized her stance by saying, The fight for equal rights is patriotic. We believe in the foundational principles of our country; we believe in the promise of freedom and equality and justice. As president, she has pledged to support the Equality Act, a bill that would add LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination protections to the 1964 Civil Rights Act. She has also pledged to continue protecting transgender students and gender-affirming care and to oppose anti-LGBTQ+ book bans in red states. Related Donald Trump vs. Kamala Harris on LGBTQ+ rights: A side-by-side comparison LGBTQ+ rights are a crucial issue in the 2024 election. Heres where Donald Trump and Kamala Harris stand on key queer issues. A vision for progressive changeKamala Harris stands as an advocate for progressive change, pushing for policies that tax the rich, expand healthcare, fight environmental pollution, and expand LGBTQ+ civil rights. While her current campaign hasnt always detailed the specific policies shell pursue as president, the Democratic National Platform and her past actions and statements reflect her long-term dedication to these issues.Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter for the latest in LGBTQ+ news and election updates.