Staff Reports
Vice President Kamala Harris made a rare appearance at the National Black Caucus of State Legislators’ 48th Annual Legislative Conference, seemingly emerging from the shadows after the recent electoral debacle. One might wonder if her absence was a master class in political strategy or just a case of hiding under the bed after President-elect Donald Trump swept every battleground state and captured the popular vote. Regardless, when she did show up, it was all smiles and thank-yous for the assembled crowd in Washington, D.C.
Her speech, which could have easily been an awkward Thanksgiving dinner conversation, revolved around expressing gratitude for the group’s efforts to address community needs of African Americans. Harris did her best to inject enthusiasm into her remarks, emphasizing that the leaders were the ones truly making a difference—though one might question how much difference could be made when they were collectively licking their wounds from the latest election results.
VP Harris makes surprise visit to National Black Caucus of State Legislators conference at The Capital Hilton. pic.twitter.com/dxmdIFikox
— Gerren Keith Gaynor (@MrGerrenalist) December 5, 2024
Harris also wanted the audience to know that despite the results, their work mattered. While she offered a vague nod to “impact” and building communities, it was clear that Democrats are currently in crisis mode. With Trump leading the charge into 2025 under a Republican administration, one can only imagine the pep talks taking place behind closed doors as they ponder how to regain relevance.
Harris made a vague reference to the upcoming significant year, but without mentioning Trump by name—a curious tactic, considering he’s the elephant in the room. In a moment that could only be described as optimism on overdrive, she insisted that hard work is joyful work. From the comfort of her high office, she urged the attendees to embrace the grind ahead. Someone might suggest that joyfully hard-working Democrats take a crash course in reality if they really want to turn things around.
The conference was attended by several prominent Democrats, such as rising star Governor Wes Moore and former gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, both of whom symbolize the party’s hope for revitalization. However, with grassroots sentiments running high and the party’s influence waning, it seems the caucus’s leaders will need more than a holiday cheer speech to get the ship back on course.
As Harris wrapped up her address, it was abundantly clear that the Democrats are at a crossroads. If this event was any indication, they will need to muster more than just platitudes and holiday greetings to elevate their standing and impact as they face an energized Republican Party ready to take the reins.
