In a curious development from the left, a new advertisement has emerged from a group known as “Creatives for Harris,” featuring an ensemble of writers and comedians. This group aims to soften the image of Kamala Harris among one demographic that appears to remain steadfastly indifferent: men. Unfortunately, the attempt has backfired, leading many to wonder what the left really thinks about masculinity.
The ad, which its sponsors promptly removed for being “too embarrassing,” seems to promote the idea that men should abandon traditional masculine traits in favor of a more modern, sensitive approach. Touting a message that essentially tells men to stop “being dudes” is not only disheartening but counters the natural instincts of the average man. The irony here is thick—how can one coax masculinity to support a candidate while simultaneously belittling the very traits that define it? The ad appears to suggest that the path to Harris’s support lies in downplaying manhood—a puzzling strategy indeed.
At the heart of the campaign is the notion that true masculinity embraces support for women, a sentiment that some may find resonant but many others find condescending. This condescending view implies that to vote for Kamala Harris; you need to confirm your emotional sensitivity by renouncing staple masculine activities. While braiding hair and enjoying heartfelt cinema may indeed reflect sensitivity, are these really the defining qualities that will drive men to the polls come election day? It almost mocks the honor men place in traditional roles while simultaneously attempting to reconfigure what masculinity means in politics.
Moreover, the backlash against the ad isn’t limited to a mere distaste for its message. Many men, particularly in minority communities, recoil at the notion that their support must come with a side of humility. This is where Harris’s campaign may be missing the mark. Much of the strength derived from traditional masculinity is rooted not in arrogance but in confidence and self-reliance. Suggesting that men who oppose Harris do so from a place of fear only alienates potential supporters and reinforces the view that the left is out of touch with the ideals that resonate within these communities.
In an ostensibly desperate attempt, Harris seems to have recognized her falling support among black men—a crucial voting bloc. Reports suggest she may resort to what can only be described as political bribery. Promising forgiving loans and specialized support targeted exclusively at black men smacks not only of desperation but of a fundamental misunderstanding of how to build genuine support. Instead of fostering lasting relationships based on respect and mutual values, the Harris campaign risks further feeding the narrative that the left is simply throwing money at problems rather than addressing the underlying issues with meaningful discourse.
Ultimately, the ad from Creatives for Harris serves as a revealing window into leftist political strategies—often ineffectual and rooted in condescension rather than shared values. As the campaign gears up for the next phase, it may do well to reconsider how it approaches masculinity and the electorate at large. Whether through advertisements that embrace rather than vilify traditional masculinity or if they can pivot successfully towards building common ground, the future of Harris’s support among men hangs in the balance. After all, in politics, authenticity matters.