Kamala Harris, the preeminent intellectual of the Democratic Party, is thinking about launching "an institute for policy and ideas," the New York Times reported this week. Its primary purpose, obviously, would be to solicit "donations" from wealthy Democrats seeking to curry favor with Harris ahead of her inevitable run for governor of California in 2026. She could then use the money to hire her friends to plan fundraising galas with celebrities. Harris could also use the institute as a platform to advance bold policy proposals and explore interesting ideas, which would bolster her reputation as a leading wonk with a deep knowledge of the issues and a preternatural ability to articulate her views on complex subjects.

For example, the institute could publish a white paper that explores a specific policy issue and propose an innovative solution. America needs creative thinkers such as Kamala Harris who are unafraid to imagine what can be, unburdened by what has been. We hope the former vice president will embrace her nerdish obsession with policy and ideas by bringing this institute into being. Just imagine the contribution she'd make to the national discourse...