Staff Reports
In a delightful twist that has GOP strategists chuckling into their morning coffee, polls indicate that Kamala Harris is experiencing something the Washington Examiner’s Byron York dubbed the “Harris boom-and-bust cycle.” While supporters may be touting her gains like she just found a crisp $20 bill in the couch cushions, conservatives know this enthusiasm is about as solid as a wet tissue.
The political world is suddenly abuzz with the notion that Harris, the Vice President who has endured more awkward moments than an improv comedian at a family reunion, is riding a wave of astonishing support. It’s almost as if her cheerleaders took a gamble and are now celebrating, blissfully unaware that this support could fizzle out faster than a cheap firework. History tells a different story, with her approval ratings resembling a rollercoaster with faulty brakes—up, down, and often stomach-churning.
Harris’ boom might end with a bust, Kam and Tim are no moderates and other commentary: With polls showing “booming” support for Kamala Harris, “GOP strategists might take heart in what could be called the Harris boom-and-bust cycle," notes the Washington… https://t.co/3qP9dzKjiR pic.twitter.com/ZjvwULKBr8
— JPNWMN (@JPNWMN) August 11, 2024
GOP strategists can’t help but grin at the prospect of Harris’s current surge. With Democrats in a perpetual state of “who can out-leftist whom,” it seems risky to bank on Harris as the party’s shining star. Many are predicting that her current popularity may not withstand the intense scrutiny that comes with an election year. After all, she’s got baggage that could fill a fleet of U-Hauls, from her controversial stances on criminal justice to an energy policy that makes even the most ardent environmentalists wince.
The irony in Harris’s “booming” support is palpable. Her approval is largely fueled by an echo chamber of elite journalists and party insiders, while substantial portions of the American electorate continue to scratch their heads, wondering when she actually plans to get anything done. As is often the case, a quick reaction to trendy talking points doesn’t equate to sustainable voter loyalty. Much like fashion trends, political popularity can turn on a dime.
While the mainstream media may be polishing Harris’s halo, the reality of American politics suggests she will soon find herself bobbing in the fickle waters of public opinion. A “Harris boom” may bring her a moment in the spotlight, but history also suggests that the ensuing “bust” is just around the corner, waiting to steal the thunder and give her the sort of political whiplash that only creates headlines and comic relief for those across the aisle.
