Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, known for his centrist Democratic views, recently expressed his hesitancy to automatically support Vice President Harris for the presidency. Despite his earlier prediction that former President Trump would secure the election, Golden emphasized the importance of earning the votes of Mainers and has adopted a wait-and-see approach towards Harris’s candidacy. “Candidates for the presidency must work to earn votes, and I’m keen to understand what kind of president Kamala Harris would be,” Golden remarked on Wednesday.
Following President Biden’s decision not to seek reelection and his endorsement of Harris, many Democrats quickly aligned with Harris. Yet, Golden has expressed a desire to learn more about her policies and vision for America’s future. He specifically mentioned his interest in Harris’s previous roles as attorney general and prosecutor, hoping she will focus on public safety and legal integrity, including tackling economic crimes and securing the nation’s borders to prevent the influx of fentanyl.
Although Harris appears to be the leading Democratic candidate, having garnered significant delegate support ahead of the Democratic National Convention, her nomination is not yet official. Having served in the House since 2019, Golden had previously voiced an unconventional opinion in the Bangor Daily News, suggesting that a victory for Trump would not harm American democracy, contrary to widespread Democratic concerns over Biden’s viability as a candidate.
Before Biden withdrew his candidacy, there was notable pressure within Democratic ranks for him to step aside in favor of a stronger contender against Trump. Golden, in his commentary, refuted claims that another term under Trump would endanger democracy, highlighting the resilience of the United States’ democratic foundation over the past 250 years.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Harris’s bid, Golden remains cautious, having told Axios he is not ready to pledge his vote to her. He expressed a desire to hear her strategies for reducing living costs, protecting social security and Medicare, ensuring the future welfare of children, and upholding America’s global leadership. Golden’s stance underscores his belief that the choice of leadership should transcend party allegiance and be the result of careful consideration.
