Can Kamala Harris name a Republican to her Cabinet if she wins the election?

As the country awaits the 2024 presidential election in November, there’s growing curiosity about what a Kamala Harris administration might look like if she and her running mate, Tim Walz, were to secure victory over the Republican ticket of, Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. One of the most intriguing possibilities being discussed is the idea that Harris might include Republicans in her cabinet. In a recent interview she said she would do it, and she certainly has every right to.

Democrats and Republicans: US tradition of bipartisanship

While it might seem unusual in the current era of such political division, appointing members of the opposing party to Cabinet positions has a significant history in American politics. Presidents like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Barack Obama, and even George W. Bush have reached across the aisle, choosing Cabinet members from the other side. This approach often signalled a desire for unity and underscored the importance of expertise over party loyalty.

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If Harris wins, she could follow in these historical footsteps, possibly appointing a Republican to her Cabinet. Such a move could be a powerful gesture towards mending the deep political rifts that have characterised recent years. And there are certainly several GOP members who have admitted publicly that they would rather have Harris in the White House than Trump.

Which Republicans could Harris pick for her Cabinet?

Including a Republican in her Cabinet could prove to be a shrewd move. With Walz, a pragmatic governor from Minnesota known for his bipartisan work, as her running mate, the Harris administration might focus on bridging divides by bringing in voices from across the political spectrum.

Just the other day we read that more than 200 staffers across four previous Republican presidential nominees had endorsed Harris. And we saw several linked to the party, and even the MAGA faithful, step onto the DNC stage this month showing their support.

Names that have been touted include Geoff Duncan, Former Lieutenant Governor of Georgia, Jim Greenwood (Pennsylvania), Dave Trott (Michigan), John Giles (mayor in Arizona), and even Maine’s Susan Collins.

What challenges could GOP in Cabinet create?

While adding a Republican to her Cabinet could help Harris build political bridges, it clearly wouldn’t be without its challenges. She would need to carefully balance the expectations of her Democratic supporters with the broader goal of promoting national unity. Given today’s climate, a tough ask, and one that some progressives may resits with concerns over climate change, healthcare, and social justice.

There are, of course, advantages to be had in this strategic move. In a closely divided Congress, a bipartisan Cabinet might help Harris garner crucial votes on key issues such as infrastructure and economic recovery. It could also strengthen her administration’s appeal to moderate and independent voters – those that were desperate for Nikki Haley to get the GOP nomination, for example – who are weary of partisan conflict.

Latest Harris news: Crypto backing to raise campaign funds

More positive news for Harris as crypto investors and industry leaders announced they were coming together on September 13 in Washington to support her, with plans to raise at least $100,000 for the campaign. The fundraiser, happening between the Congressional Black and Hispanic Caucus conferences, aims to gather a diverse group of donors, with tickets ranging from a hefty $500 to $5,000.

The organisers, all pretty huge names in the crypto world, hope to convince Harris to take a more crypto-friendly approach if she wins the presidency. But this event clearly shows that some in the industry are starting to back Harris over Trump, who has been wooing crypto donors with promises of supportive policies.While Harris hasn’t yet publicly shared her stance on the subject, her team has met with major companies including Coinbase and Ripple, which many see as a positive sign. The event is also about sparking conversations on how a Harris administration could boost crypto innovation and help more people of colour access capital.

Another group, Crypto4Harris, is also rallying behind her, organising town halls and fundraisers. Though it’s still early, some in the industry are seeing Harris as someone who could be an ally in the White House.