Vice President Kamala Harris suggests Supreme Court reform, raising concerns about judicial overreach.
At a Glance
- Kamala Harris participated in a CNN town hall as a 2024 Democratic presidential candidate
- Harris expressed openness to studying Supreme Court reform
- She criticized the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade
- Harris indirectly attacked former President Donald Trump during the town hall
- The Vice President’s comments highlight growing Democratic frustration with the conservative-majority court
Harris Floats Idea of Supreme Court Reform
Vice President Kamala Harris, in her capacity as a 2024 Democratic presidential candidate, addressed the contentious issue of Supreme Court reform during a CNN town hall. When asked if she supports expanding the Supreme Court to 12 justices, Harris carefully sidestepped a direct answer but expressed openness to exploring potential reforms.
Harris’s comments come amid growing Democratic frustration with the conservative-majority Supreme Court, particularly following its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The Vice President’s remarks reflect a broader push within the Democratic Party to challenge what they perceive as judicial overreach and partisan bias in the nation’s highest court.
Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the Supreme Court with the intention that they would undo the protections of Roe v. Wade. They did as he intended.
Now, in 20 states, we have Trump Abortion Bans—and women have died because of them.pic.twitter.com/65nbpblZcp
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 24, 2024
Criticism of Supreme Court Decisions
During the town hall, Harris specifically cited the Dobbs decision, which overturned the 50-year precedent on abortion rights, as a key factor in the erosion of public trust in the Supreme Court. She argued that this ruling, along with other controversial decisions, has led to a significant decline in public confidence in the judicial system.
“I do believe that there should be some kind of reform of the court, and we can study what that actually looks like.” – Vice President Kamala Harris
Harris’s comments align with recent polls showing a decline in public trust in the Supreme Court. A Pew Research Center poll revealed that confidence in the court has reached historically low levels, particularly among Democrats and left-leaning voters.
Indirect Criticism of Trump
While discussing Supreme Court reform, Harris took the opportunity to indirectly criticize her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump. Without naming him explicitly, she referenced the impact of his judicial appointments on the court’s current conservative majority.
“For 54 years, they were trying to get Roe v Wade terminated. And I did it.” – Donald Trump
Harris’s criticism of Trump’s judicial legacy highlights the stark contrast between the Democratic and Republican approaches to the Supreme Court. While Trump has celebrated his role in shaping the court’s conservative majority, Democrats like Harris are now exploring ways to counterbalance what they see as an ideological imbalance.
Challenges to Implementing Reform
Despite Harris’s openness to Supreme Court reform, implementing such changes faces significant hurdles. Any substantial reforms would require congressional cooperation, which is unlikely given the current Republican control of the House of Representatives. Additionally, some moderate Democrats have expressed caution about court reforms, fearing it may appear overly partisan.
President Joe Biden has previously proposed term limits and stricter ethics rules for justices, indicating a growing frustration within the Democratic leadership regarding the court’s current composition and rulings. However, these proposals have yet to gain significant traction in Congress.
Conclusion
Vice President Kamala Harris’s comments on Supreme Court reform during the CNN town hall underscore the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party about how to address their concerns with the current judicial system. Harris deflected a clear answer and stopped short of endorsing specific reforms.
As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how Harris and other Democratic candidates will balance their criticisms of the Supreme Court with the need to appeal to moderate voters who may be wary of significant institutional changes. The debate over Supreme Court reform is likely to remain a key issue in the coming months, with both parties seeking to frame the discussion in ways that resonate with their respective bases.