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'She'll end up in Warsaw, Indiana': Kamala Harris trip to Europe met with skepticism

The White House confirmed that VP Harris will visit Poland and Romania. 'Please give her a map, compass and directions' said trolls after news broke

It appears President Joe Biden is sparing no effort to keep European allies assured amidst Russia's brutal war in Ukraine. On March 4, as the president hosts the Finnish President, the White House confirmed that Vice President Kamala Harris would travel to Poland and Romania "next week". It comes as Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is in the middle of a six-day tour of Europe, to further reassure NATO allies in the region. 

The president has repeatedly refused to put boots on the ground, and escalate the war into a global conflict, amid Putin's threats of consequences. However, allies are getting increasingly tensed given the brutal campaign in Ukraine and hints that Putin may go further. On February 25, Russia made a direct threat against Sweden and Finland's efforts to join NATO. Then on March 2, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stood in front of a map that indicated plans to take Eastern Moldova as well. 

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President Biden has made it very clear the US would not put boots on the ground, but the option still appears to be on the table. US forces in Poland are now on alert and NATO recently activated its NATO Response Force, indicating that the West is indeed gearing up for the war to spill out of Ukraine. At such a critical moment, it appears a visit from Vice President Harris could be just the reassurance Europe needs.

WH confirms Kamala Harris' Europe trip

On March 3, we reported that the White House was considering sending Harris to Europe because it was logistically easier to do than have Biden visit. The very next day, the White House confirmed that the trip would indeed take place between March 9-11, and see Harris visit Poland and Romania. She will meet with leaders of both nations in the capitals of Warsaw and Bucharest, but it appears won't visit the US troops stationed in the region. 

According to The White House, the goal of the trip is to "advance our close coordination in response to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion", "discuss our continuing support for the people of Ukraine," and "determination to impose severe economic consequences on Russia." The announcement marks a major shift in Harris' work, which until recently appeared to take more of a backseat as compared to the President. Harris did travel to Munich, Germany for a security summit recently, and has also been talking to several heads of state in Europe, but has largely been behind the scenes. Given Russia's blatant aggression, it seems the White House has opted for an all-hands-on-deck approach. 

Earlier, it was rumored Harris would also visit the border and possibly meet with Ukrainian refugees, but for now, that too seems to be off the table. It appears the goal of Harris' visit is solely to reassure Romania and Poland, and nothing more. Despite Volodymyr Zenekskyy's pleas, the US and NATO have been firm about not enforcing a no-fly zone or running combat operations in Ukraine, so it's highly unlikely Harris' trip will see her urge Ukraine to join NATO or further increase the risk of war. 

Kamala Harris 'has no foreign policy experience'

Predicably, social media wasn't too happy with the news. With Harris' approval ratings in the 30s, many were not confident she'd be able to do a good job. "Why is Kamala Harris traveling to Poland and Romania? She has no foreign policy experience. She is a "lightweight." Someone please give her a map, compass, and directions!" one user joked. Another mocked, "Biden sent Kamala Harris to Poland but she ended up in Warsaw, Indiana." 

"The White House has announced that the U.S. is sending @vp Kamala Harris to Poland for the big pow-wow. Is there any possible way the U.S. could show a weaker hand?????" one person questioned. One user tweeted, "Oh lord, we're in trouble!" Another said, "Oh good grief it’s no longer a rumor Harris is going to Poland etc. She’ll be a big help with her laugh & unexplainable comments."