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Democrats’ Secret Weapon Against Trump

As Vice President Kamala Harris and her team urgently seek potential running mates in light of President Joe Biden’s exit from the 2024 race, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) has emerged as a key figure who might address one of Harris’s significant weaknesses: the administration’s approach to the border crisis.

Reports confirm that Kelly is under consideration by Harris’s team. A former Navy pilot and NASA astronaut from New Jersey, the Arizona senator boasts an impressive background further enhanced by his advocacy against gun violence. This advocacy gained prominence after his wife, former Representative Gabrielle Giffords, survived a mass shooting in 2011.

However, Kelly’s most notable asset may be his expertise on U.S.-Mexico border issues. As a senator from a pivotal border state, he has a deep understanding of the challenges faced in areas with numerous border crossings.

“Senator Kelly’s insights into border security are invaluable. He recognizes the need for enhanced technology, increased Border Patrol staffing, and expedited vetting processes. His familiarity with these issues is rooted in his personal and professional experiences,” noted Stacy Pearson, a Democratic strategist based in Phoenix.

Republicans are keenly aware of Harris’s struggles with the border crisis. Since being appointed by Biden to oversee the administration’s response to the surge in migrants in March 2021, Harris has faced criticism as border crossings reached unprecedented levels. The House recently passed a resolution condemning her role as the “border czar,” highlighting the administration’s perceived failure to secure the southern border.

GOP critics are also revisiting Harris’s previous statements, such as her 2019 comments supporting the decriminalization of illegal border crossings, which many conservatives view as controversial.

Despite this, Kelly offers a unique perspective on border issues that other Democratic vice presidential candidates may lack. Even some Republicans acknowledge his contributions. David Rhodes, Yavapai County Sheriff, praised Kelly’s engagement on border security, stating that while they belong to different parties, Kelly has been a strong advocate for additional border resources and public safety.

Yavapai County, though not directly on the border, is impacted by unauthorized migration, particularly through the influx of fentanyl. Kelly has previously criticized the Biden administration’s decision to end Title 42, a policy from the Trump era that had limited asylum claims at the southern border.

Kelly, residing in Tucson, Arizona, has been less vocal about border policy since his re-election campaign but supported Biden’s recent asylum restrictions. He has suggested that if Harris becomes president, she should revisit bipartisan border legislation previously crafted by Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), and Chris Murphy (D-CT).

The Arizona Democratic Party supports Kelly’s potential candidacy for vice president, believing his background as a border state senator, combined with his notable personal story, would strengthen the ticket. Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) has endorsed Kelly, highlighting his comprehensive understanding of border issues and his significant public profile.

Recent polling shows former President Donald Trump ahead of Harris by 15 points on immigration, a key issue for many voters. Republicans plan to leverage this weakness, focusing on the border and the economy as critical issues for Democrats.

Kelly, with his centrist appeal and past experience, could offer a more nuanced perspective on border issues. His previous success against candidates aligned with Trump’s MAGA movement underscores his broad appeal. As Kelly’s wife, Giffords, continues to campaign aggressively, her remarks against critics like J.D. Vance reflect their commitment to addressing significant national issues, including immigration.

In summary, while the border crisis remains a challenging issue for the Democratic ticket, Mark Kelly’s experience and expertise could play a crucial role in shaping the conversation and addressing this critical vulnerability.