Staff Reports
The Biden-Harris campaign is in a pickle, and it’s all courtesy of Vice President Kamala Harris, who recently decided that maybe it’s time to engage in some good old-fashioned Q&A sessions. After just one interview since announcing her bid for the presidency, Harris is finally emerging from the shadows, planning a few local and national interviews in the coming weeks. This sudden burst of activity comes on the heels of her decidedly awkward performance in the first presidential debate, where she expertly dodged tough questions, especially regarding the economy—a topic that’s apparently as popular as a piñata at a toddler’s birthday party.
Political analysts didn’t hold back their criticism, blasting Harris for her evasiveness during the debate. Rather than addressing the elephant in the room—the economy—she stuck to her usual song and dance about policy proposals. Even her own supporters seemed to be waving red flags, urging her to get serious about the pressing issues facing Americans. Some might say that avoiding questions about the job market and inflation is like trying to sell ice to an Eskimo—it’s just not going to go over well when voters are struggling at the grocery store.
Campaign Memo: Kamala Harris to Sit for Interviews After Debate Debacle https://t.co/xzSUE5yyPZ
— Steve Ferguson (@lsferguson) September 12, 2024
Speaking of inflation, thanks to the dynamic duo of Biden and Harris, prices have shot up about 20 percent on average over the past three and a half years. One has to wonder if Ms. Harris is truly prepared to tackle issues like crime, inflation, and border security when her administration has been busy racking up a record that’s less than stellar. When put on the spot about whether Americans are better off than they were four years ago, Harris chose to reminisce about her own middle-class childhood rather than provide a direct answer—talk about a classic politician’s move.
In a memo that was perhaps meant to inspire confidence, Harris’s campaign strategists indicated a desire to ramp up visibility on the campaign trail. Their plan includes retail politicking in key states, increased press appearances, and ultimately putting her in front of more voters. It sounds like Ms. Harris is ready to trade in the comfort of the shadows for the hustle and bustle of the campaign trail—one can almost hear her aides cheer, “Finally, she’s going to show up!”
However, the larger issue remains: Harris is part and parcel of an administration that many Americans are eager to move on from. A recent poll revealed that a staggering 61 percent of likely voters believe the next president should symbolize a significant change from the Biden-Harris status quo. Unfortunately for Harris, only 25 percent think she embodies that change. The irony is rich; despite her efforts to distance herself from the administration’s unpopular policies, she’s stuck in a conundrum where anything she promotes about the Biden-Harris legacy doesn’t leave much room for an open and honest conversation about fixing the very issues plaguing the nation.
In short, while there may be some buzz around Harris’s campaign strategy, it’s difficult to see how more interviews will magically transform public perception. With the clock ticking down to the election, the real question is whether she can pivot fast enough to gain the confidence of voters or if she’ll continue to tiptoe around the issues in a manner more akin to a game of twister than a serious political campaign. Only time will tell if Harris can turn this ship around or if she’ll be left floundering as the clock runs out on her chances.
