Vice President Kamala Harris, who was supposed to be the fresh face of the Democratic ticket, is becoming more of a punchline in the lead-up to the election than a credible candidate. With Election Day just a breath away, Harris finds herself floundering in the polls against none other than former President Donald Trump. This isn’t just about personal shortcomings; it’s a sign that her entire campaign strategy is, let’s just say, less than inspiring. The media, which often plays cheerleader for Democrats, has begun to notice this lack of enthusiasm and authenticity.
Reports indicate that Harris is playing it safe — and not in the “keeping the country safe” kind of way one might hope for. In fact, some Democrats are getting antsy that her low-profile approach could doom her campaign. Given that she’s been the sitting VP for nearly four years, the question must be asked: What has she been doing all this time? J.D. Vance, the Republican senator from Ohio, has certainly made this point clear by reminding everyone that Harris’s “Day One” plans should have been rolled out over 1,300 days ago. The stinging reality is that the electorate from states like Michigan is sending a clear message: failure on her part means no promotion.
Town Hall: The Media Sure Are Noticing a Key Concern About the Harris Campaign https://t.co/XzeDkvLND4
— Ian Hansen News 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHansenNews) October 8, 2024
But it’s not just the Democrats who are worried. Harris’s supposed “authentic self,” as she tries to show it, isn’t exactly winning over hearts and minds. The media has reported that even her friendly chats and interview answers haven’t resonated, raising eyebrows even among her staunchest defenders. The irony is thick: Harris aiming to flaunt her middle-class upbringing, which many are quick to point out—could be more fiction than fact.
The situation looks even more grim when considering that Harris’s campaign schedule is alarmingly lighter than Trump’s. In a race that is tighter than a drum, her decision to avoid town halls and unscripted interactions raises eyebrows. She seems to be sticking to pre-packaged media opportunities, like interviews with friendly outlets, instead of risking real engagement with voters. It’s almost as if her campaign is akin to a player who won’t step on the court for fear of being called out for their lack of skills.
As the clock ticks down, questions abound about whether Harris can shift this momentum before it’s too late. Her campaign aides claim more unfiltered interactions are on the horizon. However, there’s skepticism about whether this sudden burst of activity will undo the damage of previous weeks. Meanwhile, while Harris is busy debating with the media, Trump is ready to make an appearance at the Al Smith dinner, an event notable for both its political significance and its phony allure. With Harris opting to stick to swing states, it seems her team is operating under a cloud of caution, rather than ambition.
Harris’s running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, isn’t helping matters either, as his recent debate performance fell flat, failing to energize the base. Democratic strategists have gone so far as to suggest that keeping both candidates shielded from real scrutiny is a massive misstep. The fallacy of this strategy is glaring, especially as the clock ticks down to Election Day in a political environment that thrives on engagement and visibility.
In this high-stakes game, playing it safe for Kamala Harris means dancing on a knife’s edge, particularly when her team appears more focused on avoiding disasters than making gains. The political landscape is shifting, and if Harris continues to breathe conservatism in an unwelcome manner — like praising Dick Cheney to reach Never Trump Republicans — she risks alienating her own base. After all, there are robust, mobilized communities within her party that aren’t thrilled with her cautious playbook.
As Biden largely dances around the campaign trail, Harris seems stuck in the shadows, and the entire situation feels akin to being at a dinner party where nobody knows where the main course went. With rumors swirling that she may want to distance herself from the president ahead of the election, it will be interesting to see how Harris navigates this tricky political terrain.