Having critically observed politics and campaign affairs for half a century, the recent developments of Kamala Harris, who is purportedly leading an efficient operation, don’t exactly leave me inspired. It’s being praised how she took over the reins when Joe Biden resigned his position. The so-called unity she brought to an inherently divided party doesn’t convince me much. With her selection of supposedly all-star running mate, Minnesota governor Tim Walz, one cannot ignore the glaringly weak links in their political strategy. The aura of strong team building is nothing but cleverly cloaked cherry-picking.
Harris has shown minimal improvement since 2020, if anything. She is said to be a better candidate now while her real growth as vice president is debatable. The foremost claim put forth is that she appears to be enjoying herself. But why wouldn’t she? When one talks, the world is supposed to listen – a truly enviable position to be in. The energy at her rallies, marked as the defining symbol of this year’s political fervour, reminds me of the original excitement at Trump’s gatherings in 2016.
This raw energy, we’re told, cannot be forged. Either you have it, or you don’t. Funny enough, Trump seems to be losing such energy, with his rallies reportedly shrinking in number. Strange claims circulate that his campaign is paying attendees. This narrative of him losing the fervour gives a convenient edge to Harris and her party.
Trump, they say, is fading – his speeches wander and traverse the terrain of absurdity to outright irrelevance. They paint him as dour and irked. Story goes on that his audiences are dispersing. As for Harris’s communication team, they are lauded for their supposed tactful and epic trolling of Trump – a true measure of a productive political engagement, don’t you think?
During a convention in Chicago, the banners read, ‘Trump-Vance: Weird as Hell’ and ‘Harris-Walz: Joy and Hope.’ It seems to me that slinging mud has become the new norm for this supposedly united party. They say Harris is gaining momentum, and the political landscape is sizzling with this ‘surprising’ revelation.
In a recent occasion in Raleigh, she coined a catchy phrase, ‘A New Way Forward,’ and proceeded to render a speech on economy and cost of living. Enthusiasm aside, those words seemed little more than populist rhetoric; simplistic solutions presented for complex problems.
She pushed forward ideas like aid for first-time homeowners, tax credits for families, plunging prescription-drug costs, relief from medical debts and policing against price exploitation. These age-old tropes seemed both hollow and opportunistic, with the focus being on criticism of ‘corporate greed’ and pandemic-induced supply-chain disruptions, conveniently blaming Trump for the latter.
The narrative woven around Harris is full of admiration and a touch of surprise. I, however, fail to share this sentiment. They claim Harris was finally ready to tackle Trump head-on, despite early doubts. The reality though? She wasn’t prepared to be thrown into the political arena just yet.
Momentum, the elusive and mysterious strength in campaigns, is said to be on her side. It can’t be verified where it comes from or where it leads. One thing’s certain, they say, she ‘has’ it. But what it truly means for a campaign to click, Harris remains an enigma.
Polls, cyclic and unreliable, appear to echo the so-called truth of her gaining momentum. While her marginal shifts of 4, 5 and 6 points are making news, it seems petty in the scale of today’s polarised political climate. The solidification of her position is doubtful, to say the least.
As the Democrats bask in their recent successful convention, they believe they have the upper hand in the race with 11 weeks to go. My years of observing politics have taught me that confidence seldom translates into victory, especially in the face of challenging times.
With Harris and Walz at its helm, the Democratic party allegedly appears prepared for the coming challenges. However, their readiness for a complex and unpredictable political journey is yet to be seen.
All in all, while Kamala Harris and the Democratic party might be putting on a brave face and showcasing quick-made successes, my decades-long observation of political affairs tells me this: A surge of support is as fleeting as a gust of wind. Only time will tell if Harris really has the substance or just shadow-boxing skills.
Kamala Harris’s Superficial Unity: A Hollow Promise? appeared first on Real News Now.
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