Vice President Kamala Harris entered the White House with great fanfare as the first woman, first Black woman, and first South Asian to hold the position. However, her time in office has been marred by a series of missteps, failures, and controversies that have called into question her leadership ability and political acumen. Now 3.5 years into her first term, and her recent suggestions that becoming president would allow her to “fix the things she broke,” it’s worth taking a closer look at the key areas where Harris has fallen short.

1. The Border Crisis: A Complete Failure in Immigration Policy

One of Harris’s earliest and most high-profile responsibilities was handling the crisis at the southern border, yet this is where her leadership has arguably faltered the most. Assigned the role of addressing the root causes of migration, Harris was expected to take charge of a situation that has since spiraled out of control. Under her watch, over 12 million illegal immigrants have crossed into the United States, overwhelming border security and straining local resources. Despite promising to engage directly with Central American nations to reduce migration, Harris’s policies have failed to yield measurable improvements. Her delayed visit to the border—after months of mounting pressure—was seen as symbolic of her reluctance to confront the issue head-on.

The administration’s lax immigration policies and attempts to reverse Trump-era border enforcement have only exacerbated the crisis. Critics have pointed to Harris’s lack of action and inability to produce results as evidence of poor leadership. Instead of addressing the problem, Harris has often deflected criticism, which undermines public trust in her ability to manage complex issues.

2. The Afghanistan Withdrawal: A Diplomatic and Military Disaster

In 2021, the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan became one of the most disastrous foreign policy events in recent history. Harris, as an advisor on national security matters, had a seat at the decision-making table. The chaotic and poorly managed exit led to the rapid collapse of the Afghan government, the Taliban’s takeover of the country, and the abandonment of Afghan allies. Tragically, 13 U.S. service members were killed in a terrorist attack during the evacuation, which also left thousands of American citizens and Afghan partners stranded.

The failure to plan adequately and the botched withdrawal process have damaged U.S. credibility on the global stage. Harris’s involvement in these decisions has led to questions about her ability to navigate complex international crises and her understanding of military logistics. Many critics have argued that her silence during this period reflected an unwillingness to take responsibility.

3. Economic Mismanagement: Inflation, Job Misreporting, and Rising Costs

One of the most damaging issues facing Americans during the Biden-Harris administration has been the skyrocketing cost of living. Inflation, which reached a 40-year high in 2022 at 9.1%, has been blamed on several factors, including the administration’s massive COVID-19 relief spending and failure to manage supply chain disruptions. The rising cost of essentials—housing, groceries, and energy—has put tremendous strain on American families, with estimates showing that the average household now pays $15,000 more per year for basic living expenses compared to 2020.

Gas prices surged over 50% from 2021 to 2022, with some states seeing even higher increases, directly linked to the administration’s energy policies. Housing prices and rents have increased by a similar margin, with many Americans now being priced out of homeownership and struggling to keep up with rent payments.

Additionally, the administration’s economic credibility took a hit in 2022 when the Bureau of Labor Statistics corrected a significant overreporting error in job creation. The administration had initially touted job growth as a major achievement, only to later admit that 1 million jobs had been mistakenly added to official counts. This not only damaged trust in their economic narrative but also exposed a lack of oversight and accountability in their data reporting.

4. Voting Rights: Another Unfulfilled Promise

Harris was given the responsibility of leading the Biden administration’s efforts to protect voting rights in response to state-level restrictions. Despite her efforts to rally support for the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and other initiatives, the administration has failed to pass any meaningful federal legislation on this issue. In fact, Harris was unable to break the gridlock in the Senate, where bills were blocked by Republican opposition.

This failure was particularly stinging given the administration’s early promises to prioritize voting rights. The lack of legislative progress highlights Harris’s inability to galvanize sufficient support even within her own party. The promises she made on the campaign trail remain largely unfulfilled, showcasing a gap between rhetoric and results.

5. Staff Turnover and Dysfunction: Signs of Poor Leadership

Internal dysfunction in Harris’s office has become another point of criticism. Reports of a toxic work environment, high staff turnover, and poor management have dogged her tenure. Key staff members, including her communications director and chief spokesperson, have resigned, leading to speculation about chaotic internal leadership. Anonymous sources described a disorganized office where important tasks were neglected, further tarnishing her reputation as a capable leader.

Leadership is not just about managing crises but also about effectively managing teams. Harris’s inability to foster a stable, functional work environment raises serious questions about her leadership style and competence.

6. Foreign Relations: Fumbling on the Global Stage

Harris’s performance in international diplomacy has been inconsistent at best. Her trip to Guatemala, where she awkwardly dismissed concerns about her failure to visit the U.S.-Mexico border by saying, “I haven’t been to Europe either,” was widely criticized for being tone-deaf and evasive. Similarly, Harris’s handling of relations with France in the wake of the submarine deal with Australia and the U.K. (which sidelined France) led to a diplomatic rift, further straining transatlantic ties.

Harris has also been criticized for her handling of U.S. relations with China. As tensions rise over Taiwan, her inability to provide a clear and firm stance on U.S. policy has left allies uncertain about America’s commitment to countering China’s growing influence.

Conclusion: Can Kamala Harris Fix What She Broke?

Kamala Harris’s record as Vice President has been marked by a series of missteps, from the border crisis to economic mismanagement and failed diplomatic efforts. Her claims that becoming president will allow her to fix these issues ring hollow to many critics who argue that her leadership thus far has exacerbated problems rather than resolved them. With 6mo left and a pending election, the question remains: Can Harris correct her course and restore faith in her leadership? Based on her track record, many remain skeptical.

If Harris seeks higher office, she will need to demonstrate that she has learned from these failures. Yet, for now, her tenure is characterized more by dysfunction and missed opportunities than by effective governance.