Kamala Harris' Speech at West Point: Tradition and Innovation

Kamala Harris

For the first time in history, a woman gave the commencement address to the graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. On May 27, 2023, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to congratulate the cadets. For the most part, her speech was conventional and safe, but she did take time to celebrate the increasing role of women in the United States military. Like a long line of liberal speakers before her, she (paradoxically) located innovation in the firm service of tradition. The tradition was the tradition of innovation, and, yet, innovation is, of course, the opposite of tradition.

So, Harris commented that:

“So, to the Class of 2023 and to all the cadets here today: You stand on the broad shoulders of generations of Americans who have worn the uniform, including many barrier breakers and trailblazerss.”

When she said, “generations of Americans,” she emphasized tradition. When, in her next breath, she talked about “barrier breakers and trailblazers,” her point was innovation. Breaking barriers. Blazing new trails.

She continued that theme a moment later, reminding the cadets that:

“In fact, this year, you celebrate the 75th anniversary of the integration of women in the military, as well as the desegregation of our military. (Applause.)”

So, once again, she combined tradition (75th anniversary) with an integration policy that many conservatives would still consider to be innovative.

Harris concluded that section by addressing what she called a “fundamental truth:” 

“Our military is strongest when it fully reflects the people of America.”

Harris speaks at West Point 

Harris took time to congratulate Cadet Mary Bell, whose mother was also a West Point graduate, and Cadets Aaron Hall and Claire Dworsky, whom she had nominated to West Point when Harris was a United States Senator. She didn’t need to remind the audience that the Bells and Dworsky were women. Listeners could draw the link for themselves.

Bringing women and minorities into a complete role in the military has represented a dramatic, although gradual, change in the military forces. Tradition and “fundamental truth” are, however, conservative watchwords: the paradox of traditional innovation.

Harris’ persuasive tactic was to imply that innovation is traditional. It's unclear to me that this argument has ever convinced any conservative. It does, however, recast innovation into a new context. The argument from tradition asks conservative listeners to think about whether they should, or should not, live up to the fundamental principles of equality and liberty that most of them espouse.

Finally, although she didn't say so, the fact that it was Harris - a minority woman - giving the speech gave living proof to the growing role of women in the American polity. Good for her.

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Oprah Winfrey's Eulogy for Rosa Parks: A Speech about Opposing Traditions

President Macron's Speech to Congress: Reminding the USA of Its Traditions

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P.S.: Conservatives promptly jumped on social media to claim that conservative firebrand author Ayn Rand gave the 1974 commencement speech at West Point. That is incorrect. Rand did make a brief 1974 appearance at West Point, but she was not the commencement speaker. Howard H. Callaway was the 1974 West Point Commencement Speaker.

Also, while we're at it, the United States Military Academy campus is a gorgeous architectural wonder on the banks of the Hudson River palisades. Visit if you get the chance. It’s worth the drive. 

Research Note: Harris’ tactic has a long tradition! For example, in his award-winning book The Prophetic Tradition and Radical Rhetoric in America, Professor James Darsey points out that progressive speakers often quote the Hebrew prophets.

Images: Official White House photo, White House YouTube Channel