As President Joe Biden unveils his long-awaited proposal to reshape the Supreme Court, all eyes are on Vice President Kamala Harris. While Biden’s plan—calling for term limits, a code of conduct for justices, and a constitutional amendment to reverse a controversial court decision—faces an uphill battle, Harris could be the decisive force to carry the torch forward. This is especially significant as Harris has shown more openness to court reforms than Biden ever did, hinting that her presidency could prioritize these changes more aggressively.
Both Biden and Harris are relatively new converts to the idea of Supreme Court reforms, but Harris’ history suggests she may be more willing to push the envelope. Unlike Biden, who firmly opposed term limits for justices as a 2019 presidential candidate, Harris has consistently expressed an openness to exploring significant structural changes, including the controversial idea of expanding the number of justices. Her position is backed by the presence of key staff members like Brian Fallon, a former court reform advocate, who now plays a crucial role in her campaign.
Harris’ support for Biden’s latest proposals, which aim to address the growing ideological divide and ethical controversies within the court, signals her alignment with these reform efforts. However, her past statements and actions suggest she may go even further if given the chance. For conservatives, this should be a wake-up call. The left’s ambition to reshape the judiciary is clear, and Harris could be the figure who finally pushes these changes across the finish line.
While Biden’s reforms face significant legislative hurdles, including the necessity of constitutional amendments and potential Senate filibusters, Harris’ possible future role as president could mean that these ideas won’t fade away with the end of Biden’s term. Instead, they could become a central issue in her administration, especially as the younger generations, who are more skeptical of the Supreme Court’s power, look for leaders willing to challenge the status quo.
As Harris takes a more prominent role in the 2024 campaign, her stance on Supreme Court reforms is likely to come under intense scrutiny. Conservatives should remain vigilant, recognizing that Harris could be poised to use her influence to drive forward changes that would significantly alter the balance of power within the judiciary. In this pivotal moment, the fate of Biden’s Supreme Court proposal may indeed lie with Kamala Harris—and that should concern every American who values the current constitutional order.
