Kamala Harris’s recent appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast raised eyebrows, particularly her suggestion to lower the U.S. voting age to 16, citing “climate anxiety” among Generation Z. Harris’s claims that young people “fear they’ll be wiped out” by extreme weather reflect a concerning perspective, positioning adolescent fears at the forefront of national policy discussions. Yet, her most striking statement came when she claimed to have “negotiated treaties with hundreds of world leaders” during her time as vice president—a claim that is not only misleading but also devoid of factual support.
Under the U.S. Constitution, the authority to negotiate and sign treaties rests exclusively with the president, with the Senate playing a consultative role. According to Article II, Section 2, the vice president has no constitutional mandate to participate in the treaty-making process. Harris’s assertion casts doubt on her understanding of the very responsibilities her office entails.
This isn’t an isolated incident. The claim appears engineered to inflate her foreign policy credentials, hiding behind a facade of diplomacy. In reality, public records paint a different picture. During her tenure, Harris engaged in diplomatic ceremonies, attended international events, and sat in alongside world leaders, always as a representative of the administration, but not as the architect of treaties or foreign agreements. Major developments, such as the pivotal U.S.-Mexico migration talks and the Pacific security agreements, were orchestrated by President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Harris’s pattern of exaggeration raises questions about her past statements as well. For instance, she has touted her commitment to the middle class while presiding over a California characterized by soaring taxes and exorbitant housing costs. Though often invoking themes of justice and reform, her record shows little alignment with the promises made. As attorney general, she championed criminal justice reform but took actions that exacerbated crime rates. As vice president, she vowed to tackle the border crisis but avoided visiting the border for extended periods.
These inconsistencies form a troubling trend—Harris appears to make grand claims with little grounding in reality, seemingly expecting a friendly media landscape to cushion her missteps. Contrast this with the measurable achievements of other political figures, such as President Trump, whose foreign policy successes include renegotiating NAFTA and brokering the Abraham Accords. These actions show substantive outcomes, not just rhetoric.
Harris’s recent claims reveal a deeper issue within her party. It suggests a reliance on inflated narratives and a departure from accountability. This approach, emphasizing appearances over substance, ultimately undermines the credibility of not only Harris but also the party she represents. Her latest declaration serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of honesty in leadership—an expectation that voters hold dear as they navigate an increasingly complex political landscape.
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