Vice President Kamala Harris has been taking on a more assertive role during her recent tour of nearly a dozen US states, launching sharp attacks on Republican policies and politicians.

She criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for promoting "revisionist history" on slavery, encouraged Iowa healthcare workers to resist restrictive abortion laws, and rallied Latinos in Chicago against "extremist" Republicans.

The Vice President, the first woman and woman of color in her position, is now stepping into the spotlight with high-profile speeches and engagements. She will be opening the NAACP's annual conference in Boston, an important event for Black Americans that will shape the Democrats' agenda for the 2024 election.

Senior Democrats view this as an opportunity for Harris to engage with her supporters, improve her image with independents, and connect with Democrats who might not have heard the administration's message.

However, some influential Democrats believe this move is overdue. They stress the importance of reaching out to the base, including Black voters, to ensure they understand the administration's actions. Reverend Al Sharpton, a veteran civil rights activist, emphasized the need for Harris to be more visible.

The administration also hopes that Harris' public image and approval ratings will improve. Recent polls have shown a net-negative approval rating for the Vice President, the lowest in the history of the poll.

Despite the efforts to boost her image, Harris' remarks have drawn criticism from Republicans, particularly from Governor Ron DeSantis and other Black Republican candidates. There are divisions within the opposition about how to handle Harris, with some already speculating that she could become president if Biden wins in 2024.

Harris' performance in office has faced criticism from both sides, but she has become more vocal, especially on issues like abortion rights since the Supreme Court's decision on Roe vs. Wade.

While some Democrats believe Harris needs to step up more forcefully, others see the strategic value of placing her in front of friendly audiences where she can shine and regain support.

Longtime supporters of Harris have noticed an increase in communication and updates about her activities, signaling a more proactive approach to engaging with her base. As she takes on this new role, all eyes will be on the Vice President to see how it impacts her standing and potential future in politics. Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia commons.