Staff Reports
Kamala Harris has once again taken a turn on the political stage, attempting to sell the American public on her leadership capabilities amidst Hurricane Helene. However, as many have come to expect, the attempt to come off as a serious contender has all the finesse of a toddler trying to walk in their parents’ oversized shoes. The spectacle appears more like a desperate attempt to claim a moment of crisis rather than a genuine effort to guide the nation through adversity.
Late on a Sunday evening, amidst the chaos of the storm, Harris decided to tweet about her discussions with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell regarding the federal response to the hurricane and a chat with North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. It seems the vice president not only needs to be involved in crisis management; she also requires photographic evidence to prove she’s doing something—anything. After all, what is the point of being at an important meeting if it doesn’t come with a social media post?
The arrangement of her workspace during the so-called briefing could have come straight out of a parody sketch. The intense expression on her face, the pen held at the ready, a notepad full of doodles, a phone lying flat on the desk, and—wait for it—an earbud that seems disconnected from any actual device. It’s the kind of scene that prompts the question: Is she doing business, or is she just trying to show off how serious she can look while multitasking… perhaps with a bit of music in the background?
This Might Be the Most Poorly Staged ‘Presidential’ Photo of Kamala Ever #PJMedia https://t.co/V9F4WXl94p
— Matt Margolis (@mattmargolis) September 30, 2024
This latest staged performance calls to mind a similar photo-op from her much-criticized visit to the southern border. In that instance, Harris casually strolled along the border wall, giving the impression that she might even break into a game of hopscotch at any moment. The Border Patrol Union certainly delivered some sharp critiques on that one, and this latest display will probably earn just as much scorn. After all, if her handlers can’t even pull off a convincing set-up during a crisis, how can they be trusted with the complexities of national policy?
Adding to the narrative of staged and manipulated appearances, Kamala’s campaign recently faced backlash for organizing “voter transportation” in Massachusetts to boost attendance at a rally in New Hampshire. It’s almost as if the only way they feel she can connect with voters is if they orchestrate the whole thing like an amateur play, complete with poorly choreographed scenes. Was she truly engaged with Criswell while the camera clicked away? Most would find that hard to believe given her track record. Maybe she was simply contemplating what track to play next on the office speakers instead. Ultimately, it’s sure to raise a bemused eyebrow or two about the authenticity of her political persona.
