Netanyahu’s Visit Is Kamala’s First Challenge. It's Also An Opportunity.

She can do the right thing-and give herself a much-needed boost.

The Democratic Party’s leadership has coalesced behind Joe Biden’s chosen successor, Vice President Kamala Harris. But Harris still faces an uphill climb against Donald Trump. She carries the burdens of incumbency—economic fears, wars and conflicts, and a worsening environment—without the usual advantages. Voters don’t know her, so they have no reason to believe she is a decisive leader.

How could they? Harris ended her 2020 campaign before the first vote was even cast and didn’t run this year. Without Biden in the race, the top vote-getter in the 2024 primary is “Uncommitted” (706,591 votes). Marianne Williamson, the only candidate who hasn’t conceded, is technically the runner-up (473,761 votes).

If Benjamin Netanyahu visits Congress this Wednesday as planned, it will be Harris’ first major challenge as a candidate. The Israeli Prime Minister’s visit is widely seen as a snub to the Biden Administration, despite the massive infusion of American arms, aid, and diplomatic cover as the killings in Gaza continue. Bibi’s main complaint, it seems, is that Biden has been insufficiently effusive in his praise of Bibi.

Netanyahu’s invitation originally came from Republicans on the Hill, with the intention of creating some awkward moments for Biden and his party. Trump and the GOP will use this visit to slam both Biden and Harris over Israel. They’ll accuse Harris of being “weak” and “indecisive” (and they’ll probably garnish their attacks with sexist undertones).