As the 2024 presidential race heats up, a burning question emerges: Will Kamala Harris carry the torch of Joe Biden’s ambitious antitrust crusade? It’s not just policy wonks asking. This issue could reshape America’s economic landscape for years to come.
The Biden Administration’s Antitrust Blitz
Let’s face it, antitrust policy isn’t usually the life of the party. But under Biden, it’s become a headline-grabbing rockstar. Why? Because his administration has been swinging for the fences:
- Taking on Big Tech giants like Apple, Meta, Google, and Amazon
- Battling sky-high insulin prices
- Tackling sketchy financial services practices
- Fighting against inflated rental costs
It’s a veritable smorgasbord of corporate regulation, aimed at boosting economic competition and giving small businesses a fighting chance.
Kamala Harris: Antitrust Advocate or Silent Partner?
So, where does Kamala Harris stand in all this? That’s the million-dollar question. While she hasn’t been shouting from the rooftops about antitrust policy, there are some interesting breadcrumbs to follow:
- Her economic policy plan gives a nod to several of Biden’s competition moves
- She’s called out price-fixing by landlords (a hot topic for the DOJ)
- Harris has taken aim at grocery mergers, echoing concerns raised by the FTC
But here’s the kicker: Harris has been pretty quiet about Big Tech. That’s a stark contrast to Biden’s antitrust dream team of Lina Khan at the FTC and Jonathan Kanter at the DOJ, who’ve been gunning for Silicon Valley’s biggest players.
The Critics’ Corner: Cause for Concern?
Not everyone’s convinced Harris will keep the antitrust train rolling. Some folks on the left are side-eyeing her connections:
- Her brother-in-law, Tony West, is Uber’s top lawyer
- Debate adviser Karen Dunn is defending Google in an antitrust case
And let’s not forget: Harris hasn’t exactly been chomping at the bit to defend FTC Chair Lina Khan from her critics. Is this a red flag for antimonopoly advocates?
Reading the Tea Leaves: Signs of Continuity?
Before we hit the panic button, there are some positive signals:
- Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo (not exactly known as an anti-corporate crusader) recently called out monopolies at the Democratic National Convention
- Elizabeth Warren, antitrust hawk extraordinaire, had a prime speaking slot when Harris accepted the nomination
- Several key Biden administration economic advisers have joined Team Harris
Could this mean Harris is gearing up to keep the antitrust momentum going?
The Bottom Line: A Legacy in the Balance
Here’s the deal: The next president will inherit a boatload of antitrust cases. But it’s up to them how hard to push. Will Harris double down on Biden’s legacy, or pump the brakes?
One thing’s for sure: The future of corporate power, market competition, and economic fairness in America hangs in the balance. As we barrel towards 2024, all eyes will be on Kamala Harris and her plans for this crucial policy arena.
The million-dollar question remains: Will she be the antitrust champion America needs, or will corporate giants breathe a sigh of relief? Only time will tell, but you can bet this debate is far from over.