Staff Reports
On the eve of the big election, Vice President Kamala Harris is dusting off her sneakers and hitting the pavement in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The timing couldn’t be more ironic—here’s the running mate of a president who has spent more time chasing approval ratings than addressing the nation’s real challenges, trying to rally the troops at a voter canvassing event. Somewhere between attempts to grasp what the average American really cares about and confounding theories about the effectiveness of “Can we make it awkward?” campaigning, she’s set to show up at 11:40 a.m. for this last-minute, all-hands-on-deck effort.
It’s hard not to chuckle at the image of Harris rallying the troops while the campaign buzzes around her. Pennsylvania isn’t just a key state; it’s where the people understand hard work, sacrifice, and what it means to put the country first. Meanwhile, Harris is putting in an 11th-hour appearance, presumably hoping to sprinkle some stardust on a campaign that hasn’t been exactly rolling in the hay with enthusiasm. After all, nothing says “I’m connected with ordinary Americans” quite like a last-minute visit from the vice president before an election. Folks in the Keystone State must be thrilled—nothing like the smell of desperation mixed with political ambition in the air.
Monday will be a full day for Harris, who is reportedly set on staking her claim for Pennsylvania’s precious 19 Electoral College votes. But one wonders if locals are keen to listen to her political rhetoric when they know her party’s actual track record on important issues. From soaring inflation, which the administration seems determined to ignore, to policies that often hurt working Americans, one must wonder how her message will resonate with the folks who value their hard-earned dollars. Perhaps she’ll have a few “we feel your pain” anecdotes up her sleeve, but those can only go so far when wallets are feeling the squeeze.
Harris in Scranton distraught, and begging a small crowd for their votes. Less than 400 people in the room, including her staff and the press. pic.twitter.com/J3xyyTV0Hp
— Perthknuckleboo (@perthknuckleboo) November 4, 2024
As she makes her rounds, one can only imagine the stagecraft involved in her appearances—after all, it’s not just about connecting with voters; it’s about creating a photo op that aligns with the Democratic narrative. The irony is thick enough to cut with a knife. Will she talk about policies that can actually help Pennsylvanians or spend her time spinning tales that sound good on paper but fall flat in real life? For constituents watching, the reality check shouldn’t be far behind.
While the Democrats pull out all the stops, the question remains whether it’s enough to sway voters who are increasingly aware of the gap between what’s been promised and what’s actually been delivered. Just like trying to sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves, fishing for votes in a state like Pennsylvania amidst rising discontent may prove to be a taller order than Harris anticipates. Ultimately, Tuesday’s election will undoubtedly reveal whether her charm offensive in Scranton can transform the sentiment of a state that’s waking up to the fact that talk is cheap, but hard work and accountability are priceless.
