The recent evolution of the Democratic ticket suggests a positive outlook for U.S.-Armenia relations and the Armenian American community. As we consider the possibility of a Kamala Harris presidency, it’s worth exploring how her economic policies might benefit Armenian Americans and the potential influence her leadership could have on the U.S.-Armenia relationship.
The Biden-Harris administration’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide in 2021 was more than a symbolic gesture; it was a landmark affirmation of the United States’ dedication to historical truth and justice. For Armenians, this acknowledgment was a long-overdue validation of our historical suffering and a pivotal step toward healing and reconciliation. Still, many within the Armenian community remain frustrated by the ongoing challenges in U.S. policy, particularly concerning the security of Armenia and the situation in Artsakh.
As a former State Department official in the Biden-Harris administration, I witnessed Vice President Harris’s deep understanding and empathy for the Armenian cause firsthand. Kamala Harris has consistently engaged with the Armenian American community, both as a senator and vice president. Representing California, home to the largest Armenian American population in the U.S., Harris was a steadfast advocate for Armenian issues, including the early recognition of the Armenian Genocide before it was officially acknowledged by the U.S. government. Her unwavering support for human rights and justice has deeply resonated with the Armenian American community, earning her their trust, admiration and an A-grade from the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) during her tenure as a senator. Her running mate, Tim Walz, has also demonstrated a strong track record of support as a former member of Congress.
A Harris presidency could bring fresh leadership to critical issues for Armenia and the Armenian diaspora at a time when the stakes could not be higher. Armenia’s shift toward the West, seeking stronger democratic institutions and economic partnerships, aligns perfectly with Harris’s vision of a democratic and prosperous world. Her administration would likely offer vital support for Armenia’s democratic reforms, ensuring the country’s journey toward transparent and accountable governance receives the backing it deserves.
Under the Biden-Harris administration, U.S.-Armenia relations have already deepened significantly, elevating them to the level of a “strategic partnership.” This enhanced relationship was further reinforced through high-level engagements by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Deputy Secretary Richard Verma, underscoring the United States’ commitment to bolstering Armenia’s resilience and strengthening its democratic institutions.
Strengthening economic ties between the U.S. and Armenia would be a cornerstone of a Harris presidency. With a focus on innovation, technology and sustainable development, Harris could champion initiatives that foster economic collaboration, enhance trade and attract U.S. investments to Armenia, particularly in the areas of information technology and artificial intelligence. Such efforts would not only boost Armenia’s economy but also create new opportunities for American businesses to explore markets in the South Caucasus region.
On the issue of Artsakh, the Biden administration has been proactive, providing substantial development assistance to Armenia in response to Azerbaijani military actions that displaced thousands of ethnic Armenians from Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh. USAID Administrator Samantha Power’s visit to Syunik in July 2024, her second visit this year, exemplified this commitment, as she announced an additional $11.9 million in aid for digital transformation, food security, communication and risk mitigation. This adds to the over $65 million already provided by the U.S. government this year, highlighting the depth of U.S. support for Armenia during these challenging times.
Armenia’s strategic position, bordering volatile regions and facing persistent threats to its territorial integrity, makes U.S. support more crucial than ever. The Biden-Harris administration has already taken concrete steps to bolster Armenia’s defense capabilities. The increased Operation Eagle Partner exercises aimed at enhancing military interoperability and readiness between U.S. and Armenian forces exemplify this heightened cooperation. These exercises, coupled with the first bilateral joint military drills since 2008, signal a renewed emphasis on strengthening Armenia’s defense capabilities.
A Harris administration could further enhance Armenia’s defense posture by fostering greater cooperation in intelligence and counter-terrorism efforts, thereby fortifying Armenia’s security and contributing to regional stability. It would also ensure that U.S. foreign policy upholds the rights of communities like the Palestinians and Armenians, who face unique challenges in their quests for recognition and peace. By promoting diplomacy and dialogue, Harris could play a crucial role in fostering stability and understanding in both regions, supporting the aspirations of peoples who have long sought justice and self-determination.
In stark contrast, the chaotic administration of former President Donald Trump did little to support U.S.-Armenia relations in any substantive way. His erratic foreign policy decisions and lack of coherent strategy created uncertainties and weakened America’s stance on global issues, including its relationship with Armenia. Trump’s isolationist policies and favorable stance towards authoritarian leaders globally empowered despots like Azerbaijan’s President Alyiev, who recently stated, “During President Trump’s presidency, we enjoyed very fruitful cooperation based on mutual respect and appreciation of each other’s support on different tracks.” If Alyiev had a vote this November, it’s clear he would cast it for Trump.
Project 2025 — linked to Trump — would likely revive an isolationist foreign policy, prioritizing “America First” initiatives, reducing international engagement and focusing on domestic interests. This could diminish U.S. influence abroad and weaken global alliances. A Trump administration would likely ignore Armenia’s nuanced needs, potentially destabilizing the region further by withholding the support Armenia requires to counterbalance Russian influence.
Armenian Americans stand to benefit significantly from supporting Democrats, especially given the Biden-Harris administration’s focus on key issues affecting middle-class families. Efforts to lower prescription drug costs, combat inflation and reduce credit card fees have eased financial pressures. Expanded tax credits and family assistance programs provide crucial support, while actions on student loan forgiveness demonstrate a commitment to making higher education more accessible. These policies reflect a broader Democratic dedication to building a more equitable economy, offering tangible benefits to Armenian American families and the broader community.
Just last week, Vice President Harris unveiled an economic plan focused on tax cuts, housing and anti-price gouging measures. Key proposals include expanding the Child Tax Credit, banning grocery price gouging, building three million new housing units and offering down-payment assistance to first-time homebuyers. The plan also seeks to end taxes on tips for service workers and raise the minimum wage. These initiatives are part of her campaign’s priorities for the first 100 days if elected.
In conclusion, a Kamala Harris presidency promises to elevate U.S.-Armenia relations to new heights. By supporting Armenia’s democratic aspirations, strengthening economic and security ties, and providing reliable leadership, Harris could ensure that the United States remains a steadfast partner to Armenia for decades to come. Armenian Americans should vote for Harris not only because of her commitment to these values, but also because her vision for a better future aligns with the hopes and dreams of both the Armenian and American people.
Jirair Ratevosian
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This article is a straight democrat party propaganda piece…the democrat party is a radical left wing party…from pushing sex changes on children…pro muslim anti christian foreign policies….defunding the police…raising taxes…open borders…high inflationary policies…the list goes on…the democrats have been in power 12 years of the last 16 years and its getting worse and worse….you have harris who has done NOTHING the last 4 years and her vice president pick…who for one thing cant even be honest about his military service let alone his love of communist china…how much was this person paid by the democrats to write this politically pandering article?…whats good for a strong america…will help to make a strong armenia…harris is weak and is a marxist…the proof is the last 4 years…dont believe this article…believe your eyes..
Jan 6th told you who the “radicals” are my friend.
you are wrong. The media lied about most of it. Americans have a right according to the constitution to demand better for the country. Remember this quote from mass murderer FDR. “In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way.” 1-6 was nothing more than the lame scripts that come out of d.c. daily. the supposed outrage was a scam, period.
@LAURA, you are smoking dope. The radicals are the “tolerant” Black Lives Matter and Antifa looters, murderers, and arsonists who destroyed American cities, destroyed cultural monuments, burned businesses, and attacked police and fire personnel. You probably bailed them out with Cacklin’ Kamala instead of letting them rot in jail. Ask your bingo buddy, Nancy Pelosi, why she refused to send the National Guard on Jan. 6 to control the “radicals”. You’re brainwashed fool.
I agree with you gregory
This is an incredibly naive and very partisan article. The author praises Kamala Harris, as if she is the long awaited Messiah. (Back in 2018, Nikol Pashinyan, was praised exactly like that, as if he was the long awaited Messiah, who was destined to save Armenia. We have seen how that turned out for Armenia.)
Whatever party they belong to or not, politicians are self-serving and even Machiavellian, because that is the essence of politics. Idealism is a nice disguise in politics, used by politicians in order to win over voters and win elections.
The only time politicians feign interest to particular voter groups, including the ethnic vote, is when it is election time. After the elections are over and the politicians elected into office, the promises they make are often broken and soon forgotten. Politicians mostly pay lip service to topics and causes held dear by voter groups, in order to win and guarantee their votes.
Too much day dreaming and having unrealistically high hopes about politicians and politics, often ends in disappointment.
She may be a lesser of two evils. Admittedly, the US has not done anything of value as of yet. Trump didn’t do squat and has business interests with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Biden recognized the Armenian Genocide but sat back and allowed another one. They could have done what Clinton did in Kosovo. The truth is all parties are self serving. It’s up to our government to play one against the other, gaining advantage. I do think your article serves the Democratic Party but not the Armenian people. If you want to support the Democrats, just be honest. Don’t equate them with General Andranik, Njdeh, or Vartan Mamigonian.
My mother would tell us in Armenian, even the donkey does not fall twice in the mud. Why do you support Democrats?
This article is an insult and printing it is a greater insult
I agree with you Harry.
So many Armenian-Americans would rather vote for Aliyev’s business partner, bed fellow and friend աղտոտ Trump, than senior prosecutor Harris.
Harris grew up working with local Armenian leaders in California, has no financial holdings in Turkey or Azerbaijan, while Donald was out toasting Erdogan and Aliyev and building hotels on stolen lands. In Ankara. In Baku.
Աղտոտ Trump promised to free and promote his Turkish agent Michael Flynn, who acted as Turkey’s sword to cut down Armenian genocide legislation.
https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-flynn-fd20908ba09b27beef2f8e40698d6d5e
Աղտոտ diverted your IRS dollars out of America and invested over a hundred million dollars of it into Azerbaijan’s military. Then Artsakh was invaded.
Not a word to object Աղտոտ’s acts, to complain came out of your mouths. Not one word to condemn. What happened to you, Armenian nation? Երբուընէ՞ աղտոտին պոչը եղա՞ք:
Ընկեր, բայց Trump նալ ասեց Armenians are good businessmen. Good people. Will exaggerated words bring back the 5000 հայ զինվորները who died under presidency?
Was Աղտոտ putting a Turkish agent in a position of power and funneling arms to Aliyev not enough to earn your vote, Armenians?
Let աղտոտ undo the genocide recognition like he promised Tayep. Let him restore military aid to Azerbaijan. Let him cut all USAID to Artsakh refugees. Armenians would still love him. Cheer for him. Think happy thoughts. Vote for him. He’s their idol. He’s their man.
He’s their hero for hurting the Armenian Cause. Even if Kamala promised to recognize Artsakh, Աղտոտ’s cult would still vote for him and his Pan-Turk partners.
JAMES P GAGO
Your attention should be focused on the USA and its national interests if you live there. If not, move to Armenia and make it stronger.
All politicians are, as you say, dirty. Kamala Harris and the Democrats are vile, disgusting, and truly dangerous. They are against all family and cultural values espoused by Armenians: marriage between man and woman, church, guns, business, low taxes, and so forth. Democrats are murdering babies after they are born, supporting homosexual marriages, attacking Christians-Christianity-church, taking away guns (like the Turks did to Armenians), over-regulating businesses, over-taxing entrepreneurs, etc.
At least Trump tells you he does not care about Armenia or Armenians. Democrats say they care and then lie and backstab you like Obama and Samantha Powers. I’d rather have someone say the truth to my face. You obviously prefer the latter.
You can’t be a Democrat if you are Armenian. If you are, you are the problem.
A backwards, false, ugly dichotomy. It’s not the US or Armenia. It’s what’s best for US and Armenia. And the entire world, the role the US plays in it as the defender of freedom.
Will the US be driven by its constitutional values or by strongman corporate interests. And it is in US interests not to let a free and democratic country like Armenia be torn by anti-American states like Russia or Turkey. Show some pride in American values.
Do you think AIPAC says it’s US or Israel? No. They say it’s US and Israel. Do you think AIPAC says you can’t be a Jew and a Democrat liberal? Do you think they say you can’t be a Jew and a Republican conservative. Of course not. Some groups will vote against party lines because they put their community first. They put their community first, above all pointless topics like gay marriage or guns and it is why they succeed and why you fail. And they are smart enough to admit the other side has a valid point. They know values are survival tools. Each has a place and a use.
If the democrats want to promote gay marriage and abortion among themselves, that’s their choice and business, not mine. If anyone wants to exit the gene pool, that’s their problem. It’s not my job to preserve their lineage. No one is paying me to do that. I don’t have time to worry about stupid culture wars that losers waste their time on when there is the present threat of Turkey, Azerbaijan and their mistress mother Russia. And unfortunately these countries have friends in their business partner Donald Trump. It’s nothing personal, Donald, you just chose the wrong crowd to side with and help.
It’s much easier and cheaper to get an abortion in Armenia than the US. You can buy cigarettes at 12 years old. Bribes are still very common. Drivers drive without license or seatbelts like lunatics and get into accidents that kill people. For years there was a black market selling stolen babies to rich Europeans. The Catholicos in Armenia, the most holy man has a bastard daughter with a Russian prostitute and owns diamonds, cars, and mansions. So don’t talk about Armenian values. Truth is, all I see is չափազանցել սիրողները who don’t practice what they preach. It was like it back then, it is like that now.
Trump is giving Azerbaijan supplies to kill against Armenians and you defend him. You say he is honest. Authentic. Satan is honest too. So is a Lucifer. So was Talat Pasha. So was Stalin. So are most serial killers. They’re authentically honest evil. They don’t need to lie because idiots will support these աղտոտ characters, wishing they were more like them in their hearts. That’s you, Truth. Almost every Trump supporter wishes deep down they were like the guy. A rich successful business who pretends to be one thing but lives a life contrary to that. A hypocrite free to live out his wildest fantasies.
Most American subsidies go to corporations. They lobby for selfish policies and don’t care about your health or interests. Regulation hit them harder. And frankly the taxes you complain about affect people making over 250,000 a year. If you don’t want to pay as much taxes, learn from the smart tribes of the world and give to charity that give back to yourself and your community. Learn from the wise.
Armenia received more aid under Obama and Power than any other administration. America today is helping rebuild Armenia’s military and energy. But you have zero care or appreciation. No amount they give is enough to satisfy you. They have no obligation to help you. If you want to see the extent they care, research the topic. Don’t do what some Armenians do and decide the person is guilty or innocent from gossip before even consulting the evidence. That isn’t truth. That is laziness.
And don’t expect them to give, thinking you yourself deserve it. First prove you deserve it. Prove you are worth it and then countries will help you. Or don’t. It’s your choice.
Good question ~ “what happened to you, Armenian nation?” Is this a reflection of what you have become? I will never understand why anyone, never mind the Armenian people, would support the most narcissistic, empathy-lacking, flawed individual in American history. He doesn’t know the first thing about the concept of “service”. He doesn’t give a damn about America, for which he seeks the presidency, and he certainly wouldn’t give a damn about Armenia! He puts himself first and foremost, not the country. That alone disqualifies him from taking office of any kind.
Were you in a coma during Trump’s presidency? Every policy he laid out was pro-America until your senile grandpa and his buffoon DEI hire side kick cheated to be the president and vice president and destroyed the USA by reversing all of Trump’s policies.
This article is categorically and factually wrong. The Biden administration, and continuation of via Kamala has left Armenians in the Dust. Then only politicians that have demonstrated outright support are RFK Jr. and Ramaswamy, both rumored to shortly be on the Trump Cabinet
LOLLLL. You’re a Biden-Harris puppet that worked for them. You’re probably getting paid by the campaign to spread disgusting propaganda in our community.
So sad to see so much primitive thought in these comments (except for Marsha’s). Even ff the article is biased, there are ways to tackle it. Yet, the caveman-like arguments or simply slogans are so disappointing. Is this really the level of intellect in our community? Another proof that education levels in our community are nothing special despite our mythical self belief (at best). No wonder our diaspora is disorganized, clueless and simply lost in these difficult moments for the Republic. Sad. Really sad!
P.S. The only hope for the diaspora is that the people posting above are really non-representative of the community. Or the diaspora’s days are counted.
From an Armenian-American perspective, considering the character of the political landscape in the US today, Donald Trump is clearly the lesser evil and should therefore be supported. That said, it would be wrong for us to have high expectations for him. Sadly both, Democrats and Republicans do not have the best interests of this country at heart as they are both controlled by special interests in Washington. The next four years
nevertheless promises to be interesting and eventful for both Armenia and the US.
Glad to see the two comments above who speak the truth. We the People need leaders such as the ones who led the protests against the Glendale School Board last June instead of this anti-Christian values, run on the mill politician tricking his Armenian base.
This article assesses the potential future impact of the two main candidates (VP Harris and former President Trump) on US/Armenia relations based on recent publications and press releases. Based on available information, it is projected that a future Harris Administration is more likely to maintain beneficial relations with Armenia. In contrast, a Trump Administration would be expected to maintain close relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan to the detriment of Armenia.
Beneficial relations with Armenia?
Do sound bites appease you ?
Sound bites do not save lives ~~actions do.
If the Azeris come more inland will Kamala the Great stop it ?
It will be no different than past silence –never mind actions–during the 2nd genocide.
Money is the mother’s milk of politics. Here is one current example. AIPAC spends millions of dollars each election cycle to promote politicians favorable to Israel. This results in BILLIONS of dollars of US aid annually for Israel. That is quite a return on investment! And the flow of cash continues even while they are bombing innocent civilians in Gaza. Human Rights is but a minor component in deciding foreign policy.
Now look at the Armenians. Do we have a truly organized lobby to funnel money to politicians? If so I am not aware of it. While Israel gets billions of dollars while carrying out an eth ic cleansing campaign in Gaza, Armenia gets a few million in the wake of an ethnic cleansing campaign where they suddenly have over 100,000 refugees from Artsakh.
Trump is a business partner with Erdogan and Aliyev. He gave the autocratic and genocidal regime in Azerbaijan over 100 million dollars during his tenure. At least Biden recognized the Armenian Genocide. Yes he should have done more to stop the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh by blocking aid to Azerbijan starting in 2021 and imposing Magnisky sanctions on Azerbaijani Government officials responsible for human rights abuses. But at least they gave lip service. Trump didn’t even do that!
Mr Zartarian:
Tell the value of “lip service” to the displaced Armenians and to the parents of the dead 18 year old youths.
Think it over
To Harry and all you other Trump loving Armenians. Biden recognizing the Armenian Genocide is important because all future diplomatic engagements with the US and those Turkish scoundrels uses that fact as a starting point. And the lip service of the Biden administration has at least moved further to block aid to Azerbaijan for two years. What did Trump do after the 2020 invasion of Artsakh?
NOTHING. And that set the stage for the completion of the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh.
The Armenians I knew growing up valued kindness, honesty, and hard work. They had a sense of humor and were empathetic. Trump displays NONE OF THESE ATTRIBUTES. I would vote for an eggplant over Trump, the convicted felon and insurrectionist who loves Putin, Erdogan, Aliyev, and Kim. And let’s be clear that Putin gave Artsakh to Aliyev as a gift in exchange for brokering Russian oil and gas to evade sanctions and fund his despicable Ukraine invasion.
@GARY You’re foolish if you think Biden’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide is a good talking point. Woodrow Wilson, Teddy Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan all made mention of the Armenian Genocide. Did anything change? Trump doesn’t need to do a damn thing for Armenia. He’s not Armenia’s president. The only felons and insurrectionists are your Democrat friends who looted, burned, murdered and caused trillions of dollars in damage during the BLM and Antifada riots. You probably bailed them all out with Kamala! Stop watching CNN and The View!
Aliyev, Erdogan, and Putin are the three architects of the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh. They are all business partners of Trump and fellow authoritarian leaders. Guess who those three scoundrels are rooting for in the US election. Trump of course. Think about that when you decide who YOU are voting for.
This discussion is not about presidential candidates…it is about an administration that allowed a genocide.
Interesting that no other Armenian paper gave a free ad to the vice prez.
So, Kamala is the Democratic Nominee for President. How many votes did she get in the Primary?
I’m not going to hold my breath for an answer, because there isn’t one.
Even heaven cannot help us now. The US, Armenia and world are cooked. Sadly, Armenia is going to be toast the soonest.
For those eligible to vote.
The head of state/government mission should be to advance and uphold their national interests.
Thus domestic issues ought to be the primary concern of a citizen voting and foreign ones secondary even if relevant to kith and kin in ancestral lands.
As for US foreign policy, the south Caucasus is not and probably never will be a priority for the USA thus despite more attention than in previous years, persons shouldn’t expect strong attention from the USA hence some disappointment that the Biden government which recognised the ottoman killings as a genocide which was a symbolic move didn’t put pressure on Turkey and Azerbaijan and did nothing about the blockade and conquest of what remained of Arktash nominally under Russian protection.
The previous Trump government under whom Pashinyan took office in Armenia and the relationship between Russia and Armenia which had come under strain due to warming relationship between Russia and Azerbaijan started to clearly take a more fraught nature.
It’s also worth noting that despite the ovation in the Russian Duma for the news of Trump election the relationship between Russia and the USA continued to deteriorate with various sanctions Nord stream 2 being noteworthy and other actions, closure of consulates, supply of weapons to Ukraine capital being referred to as Kyiv in official references, forbidding potential recognition of Crimea as Russian and no state visits to either country during his office notwithstanding the global disruption without prejudice to such actions in 2020 due to coronavirus.
As Donald Trump was very in with Turkey and Israel it would be unsurprising for him to take an indifferent position towards Armenia even though Pashinyan was clearly a colour revolution figure linked to the US state department.