Staff Reports
During a recent stop on ABC’s “The View,” Vice President Kamala Harris faced a question that has daunted many of her party members: what would she have done differently than President Joe Biden? To the surprise of no one, she couldn’t muster a single example, which raises the question of why she’s even running for President if she can’t differentiate herself from the current administration. This lack of originality might not be the selling point Democratic voters think it is.
In an attempt to assert her individuality, Harris claimed she would welcome a Republican into her cabinet. Apparently, her version of change involves spreading bipartisanship from inside a Democratic administration rather than offering a fresh vision for the future. Maybe she thinks appointing a Republican would impress voters—most of whom are likely wondering if she could identify any Republican names beyond Lincoln and Reagan. It’s a peculiar form of virtue signaling. Though idealistic, it still sounds more like a publicity stunt than a substantive policy proposal.
Why would anybody want another four years of this disaster?
The View: "Would you have done something differently than President Biden during the past four years?"
Harris: "There is not a thing that comes to mind, and I have been a part of most decisions." pic.twitter.com/Nmpl2b8Xlt
— Americat 🇺🇸 (@catmurphy209) October 8, 2024
In her increasingly desperate media tour, Harris attempts to paint herself as the only competent adult in the room amidst concerns that voters see all politicians as cut from the same cloth. A Democratic pollster suggested that Harris needed to “energize” those who have largely checked out of the political arena. Instead of presenting a dynamic plan for America, she seems more focused on proving she’s not quite as bad as her boss, Joe Biden, while simultaneously trying to court Republican voters.
As she continues this media blitz, it becomes clear Harris is keenly aware of the uphill battle ahead of her. Not only has she been largely absent from the spotlight during her time as vice president, but she now faces the challenge of winning over skeptical voters. The Democratic narrative has been exclusively about trust, though it seems Harris has managed to alienate just enough voters who still don’t have a clear view of who she is or what she stands for. It begs the question of whether she’s more of a caricature of a candidate rather than a legitimate leader with defined principles.
Harris’s recent endeavors aim to convey her empathy for the average American, particularly those juggling caring for children and aging parents. Yet, the disconnect is glaring. As she criticizes Trump for being out of touch with hardworking families, one can’t help but wonder whether she realizes she’s part of an administration that has significantly contributed to the struggles faced by these very families. Meanwhile, she and others in her party seem less concerned with actionable policies and more about maintaining a feel-good image.
With voting already in motion and her opponent Donald Trump—whose character may be loathed by the left but whose track record and policies still resonate with many—Harris is in a precarious position. While both Democrats and Republicans know who Trump is, this newfound focus on identity—who Harris is—will bring little comfort to voters. The brief uptick in Harris’ favorability ratings over the summer may soon find itself overshadowed by a harsh reality: many Americans prefer the devil they know than the one they don’t.
