Here Come the Mandates

Americans do not like to have their major decisions dictated to them.

While presidential candidate Harris has yet to comment on her position as U.S. senator to mandate electric vehicles for all new car production by the year 2040, it is worth remembering the history of Democrats’ flip-flops on mandating politically favored behavior.

In 2008, presidential candidate Barack Obama attacked his primary opponent for her plan to mandate the purchase of health insurance. His campaign ads attacked her for “forc[ing] everyone to buy health insurance, even if you can’t afford it.” It was a sensible political move, helping his platform resonate with voters who value individual freedom and limited government.