Kamala Harris decided to grace the nation with her presence this Thanksgiving, much to the bemusement of many. The vice president, still reeling from a disappointing presidential run against Donald Trump, thought a holiday message might remind everyone that she’s still in the running—though for what, remains unclear. In her latest attempt to connect with the American public, she tossed out a Thanksgiving video alongside her husband, Doug Emhoff, which turned out to be an awkward spectacle.
Kamala Harris Releases a Thanksgiving Message, and Things Get Weirdhttps://t.co/34y5kUUmse
— RedState (@RedState) November 28, 2024
The duo appeared to be working hard to navigate through a painful script that lacked any real substance. As Emhoff kicked off the holiday cheer, he wore a frozen grin that suggested he was wrestling with a mix of fury and despair. One could almost feel sorry for him, as he seemed desperate to break free from the teleprompter shackles. It’s tough being the “First Man,” especially when the holiday spirit feels like it’s a million miles away from the White House.
Harris didn’t fare much better in terms of image. Described as looking somewhat “puffy,” she certainly gave off a sense of stress—a natural reaction after losing to Trump, a defeat that will linger like a bad smell. Perhaps the holiday season was just too much for her to bear. To her credit, she did seem more coherent than during that infamous leaked donor video. At least the wine wasn’t flowing during this particular performance.
It raises the question: why do politicians insist on creating these cringe-worthy videos? While the holiday season is typically a time for joy and family, Harris and Emhoff looked as though they would have preferred to be anywhere else—perhaps on a beach in Hawaii. It makes one wonder whether this was a genuine attempt at connection, or merely a required chore.
Considering the rumors of a potential second run for the presidency, it’s puzzling. Harris has a reputation for speaking without saying much, and taking another shot at the highest office might not be the wisest move. However, politicians who have had a taste of power often leap at the chance to cling to it, regardless of past failures. For someone accustomed to maximizing taxpayer funds, another campaign could seem tantalizing.
Ultimately, it might be wise for Harris to step back from the limelight and take a page out of Hillary Clinton’s playbook—embrace the financial perks that come from losing, and enjoy life outside the political arena. But the hunger for influence can be hard to resist, especially for a Democrat looking to remain relevant in a party rife with competition and challenges.