Kamala Harris has framed her campaign around fighting for fairness and holding corporations accountable, particularly in the fourth item of her A New Way Forward plan. However, her reliance on corporate donations raises questions about whether her promises to crack down on big business are genuine or simply feel-good campaign rhetoric.
Big Business Donations and Potential Conflicts of Interest
One of the most glaring contradictions in Harris’ platform is her acceptance of big business donations while publicly denouncing corporate power. For example, Blackstone, the largest corporate landlord in the U.S., has been linked to rent hikes and housing affordability issues, yet Harris’ campaign has received significant contributions from Jonathan Gray, the company’s president (Sludge). Since Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, Harris has amassed nearly $500 million, with a substantial portion coming from large corporate donors (Democracy Now!).
This raises a crucial question: can a candidate who relies on corporate donations truly deliver on promises to crack down on corporate greed? Or is this just another feel-good campaign promise designed to appeal to voters without any meaningful action behind it? Harris’ ability to navigate this duality will be under scrutiny, especially as she proposes to tackle anti-competitive practices while simultaneously receiving support from those very corporations she aims to regulate.
For-Profit Colleges: Enforcement Without Lasting Reform
While serving as California’s Attorney General, Harris made headlines for her efforts against for-profit colleges, particularly Corinthian Colleges. She secured large settlements for defrauded students, positioning herself as a protector of the vulnerable. However, her actions largely stopped at enforcement—no lasting legislative changes followed. Despite her aggressive pursuit of these institutions, for-profit colleges continued to operate under much the same conditions, with no federal policy reforms put in place to prevent future abuses.
This lack of follow-through raises questions about whether Harris can effect meaningful change beyond reactive enforcement. Critics argue that her tenure in this role was marked by high-profile settlements that garnered media attention but did not fundamentally alter the landscape for students seeking quality education .
If her presidency mirrors her time as Attorney General, voters should temper their expectations for sweeping changes. Harris’ track record suggests a tendency toward a reactive rather than proactive approach, leaving many to wonder if she can transition from enforcement actions to genuine legislative reforms.
Lobbying and Industry Ties: A Compromised Agenda?
Harris’ financial support from industries she claims to regulate—such as Big Pharma—also casts doubt on her ability to enact real reform. While Harris has railed against rising drug prices, the reality is that prices in the pharmaceutical industry have largely stayed in line with inflation . Despite this, Harris has continued to receive donations from powerful pharmaceutical companies, raising the question of whether her regulatory efforts will be watered down by these financial ties.
This duality of advocacy and acceptance of contributions creates a complex narrative for Harris. While she might aim to position herself as a champion for the average consumer, her actions—and their potential consequences—may paint a different picture altogether . This dynamic between rhetoric and reality is a recurring theme in her campaign and legislative history.
Comparisons with Other Politicians
Harris’ approach to corporate donations and her ability to follow through on promises starkly contrasts with that of other political figures like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Sanders, in particular, has built his political brand on rejecting large corporate donations, relying instead on small-dollar contributions from grassroots supporters. His refusal to take corporate money stands as a benchmark for independence from corporate influence, and his policies often reflect a commitment to address systemic issues head-on .
Warren has similarly distanced herself from big corporate donors, maintaining a clear message of rejecting corporate power in politics. Her proposals often come with detailed plans to regulate industries and protect consumers, showcasing a commitment to substantive reform rather than superficial gestures .
In comparison, Harris’ heavy reliance on corporate contributions creates a cloud of doubt around her true intentions. Can a candidate who depends on the financial backing of industries she claims to fight against truly deliver the reforms voters seek? This question becomes even more pressing as she outlines her plans for a presidency focused on anti-competitive practices and consumer protection.
Harris’ Legislative Record: Enforcement Without Policy Change
When examining Harris’ legislative history, a pattern of enforcement over policy change becomes evident. Her tenure as California’s Attorney General was marked by lawsuits and settlements rather than legislative victories. Though she succeeded in cracking down on specific instances of corporate wrongdoing, these actions did not translate into broader reforms .
As President, Harris may face similar challenges. While she can direct her administration to pursue enforcement actions, the absence of legislative change could mean that any progress made will be temporary, without lasting impact. Voters should be aware that her track record suggests a focus on reactive measures rather than proactive policy changes .
The implications of this approach extend beyond mere campaign promises. If Harris continues to rely on the same enforcement-first strategy, the potential for real change in the corporate landscape may remain elusive.
The Role of Small Businesses
Harris claims her administration will support small businesses through seed funding and initiatives designed to foster entrepreneurship. This approach sounds promising, yet it poses the question of whether her administration can strike a balance between regulating large corporations and supporting smaller enterprises. Critics argue that excessive regulations could inadvertently stifle the very businesses Harris aims to uplift .
Additionally, the effectiveness of seed funding initiatives will largely depend on how they are implemented. If her administration fails to ensure equitable access to these funds, the impact may be limited, leaving small businesses struggling to compete against larger, well-established corporations.
Conclusion: The Politics of Rhetoric
Kamala Harris has built her campaign on promises to crack down on corporate greed, protect consumers, and support small businesses. However, her record and financial backing tell a different story. From her reliance on large corporate donations to her limited legislative achievements, it seems that Harris’ promises may be more about political theater than about meaningful reform.
As voters consider Harris for the presidency, they must weigh her rhetoric against her actions. Will she be the champion for everyday Americans she claims to be, or will her presidency mirror her past: enforcement without lasting change?
References:
- Harris’ campaign donations and ties to Blackstone and Jonathan Gray: Blaze Media article on Harris’ corporate donations(Sludge)
- Harris’ campaign funding post-Biden withdrawal: Politico coverage of Harris’ campaign finances(Democracy Now!)
- Harris’ actions against Corinthian Colleges and for-profit education: Los Angeles Times report on Harris’ for-profit college case
- Big Pharma donations to Harris: Stat News article on Harris’ Big Pharma ties
- Bernie Sanders’ stance on corporate donations: Vox article on Sanders’ grassroots funding model
- Elizabeth Warren’s approach to corporate influence: The Atlantic article on Warren’s campaign
- Harris’ record as Attorney General: New York Times profile of Harris’ tenure as AG
- Overview of small business support initiatives: Forbes article on small business initiatives in Harris’ plan