During her presidential campaign, Kamala Harris initially supported banning plastic straws, but now her stance has changed. A campaign staffer recently informed Axios reporter Alex Thompson that Harris no longer backs the ban on plastic straws. In fact, even when she did support the ban, Harris joked about the poor quality of paper straws and the need for better eco-friendly alternatives.
In a 2019 interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett, Harris vividly described the challenges of using a paper straw, highlighting its shortcomings compared to plastic alternatives. Despite her personal experience with paper straws, Harris previously advocated for banning plastic straws.
The trend of banning plastic straws was once a popular policy across many cities and states, driven by concerns about environmental impact. However, the effectiveness of such bans has been questioned, as straws represent only a small fraction of plastic waste. As public opinion shifted, support for straw bans waned, with many viewing it as government overreach.
Harris’ reversal on plastic straw bans is just one example of her changing positions on various issues over the years. This pattern of inconsistency has raised questions about her true convictions and policy priorities.
While Harris’ shift on plastic straws may signal a more pragmatic approach, the lack of transparency about her changing views leaves room for speculation about her future policy stances.