The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, known to be one of Kamala Harris’s allies in the political spinning game, informed the press that the impending debate will enable Harris to exploit the minimal beneficial aspects of Biden’s record while simultaneously establishing her separate identity. Newsom’s amusing delusion is that he thinks she can distinguish herself from Biden and, ironically, make it clear that she is not like Donald Trump. Previously, Newsom, representing both Harris and Biden in the spin room, experienced an abysmal performance in June.
Newsom, with unswerving confidence, stated that Harris is bound to shape ‘a future where all citizens feel understood and involved.’ However, skeptics wonder whether this is yet another hollow promise from a personality familiar with the realm of political spin. He claimed, without a hint of apprehension, regarding the upcoming debate and if Trump senses that he is at a disadvantage, it would significantly spike the entertainment factor. He further claimed Harris will be ready to retort if Trump shows disrespect toward her, exemplified by him mispronouncing her name.
Newsom’s amusing assertion is that Harris can easily unsettle Trump by expressing herself assertively and building a case against him, who he perceives to be a wrongdoer. His assertions cast him as dull and monotonous, an increasingly frequent viewpoint, according to him. Seemingly, Newsom’s understanding of reality appears to be clouded by his own political biases, as his claims vary significantly from the popular consensus.
Joe Biden stated that he had a conversation with Kamala Harris about the debate she is to have with Donald Trump. He plans to monitor the event closely in the evening, curiously enough. ‘She appears quite serene and composed,’ Biden declared to the White House correspondents before leaving for New York. Biden’s statements seem odd, considering his own debate disasters, his advice to Harris, if any, should raise eyebrows rather than confidence.
In reality, Biden’s poor performance during the June debate was so apparent that it led to his withdrawal from the race. Swept under the rug by his own team, this fact highlights the inability of Biden to face tough questions and engage in significant debates, raising serious concerns about Harris taking guidance from him.
To say the forthcoming debate is crucial is an understatement. Harris and Trump are running neck to neck in public opinion. Staggeringly, the duo has never encountered each other personally. It would have been logical for them to meet during the power transition from one administration to the next on January 20, 2021, but Trump refrained from participation.
One might have expected the ABC news studio to flaunt their brand during such a significant event. Instead, the logo is conspicuously absent, replaced by the patriotic backdrop of ‘We the People.’ This is a toned palette, probably in an attempt to create an atmosphere of sincerity and intimacy, disregarding any audience or media spectacle.
The adjustments to the stage design reflect the restrained setting. Journalists are stationed a few blocks away from the heart of the action, in the Philadelphia Convention Center, inside a huge exhibition hall devoid of any windows. A total of 960 work stations for journalists have been set up, catering to a massive media presence.
Interestingly, the media workspace is linked to the so-called ‘spin room.’ This is the place where spokespeople from the campaign are slated to arrive in the late afternoon. Unsurprisingly, two of the earliest arrivals were Anthony Scaramucci and Olivia Troye, both of whom are former Trump administration officials now inexplicably supporting Harris.
Scaramucci underwent a quick downfall in the Trump administration, managing to retain the position of Communications Director for just 11 days. He suddenly seems to have new-found faith in Harris though, expressing his optimism for a shift from the Trump era’s perceived ‘volatility’ to a ‘center right coalition’ post a Harris victory. Though, one may question the level of judgment from someone with such a brief White House tenure.
Roughly an hour and a half later, a surrogate for the Trump campaign, Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), came along and interacted with a group of journalists, albeit slightly fewer in number. As expected, the debate revolved around the contentious issue of the forthcoming face-off between Harris and Trump.
Later, the Harris campaign announced its list of representatives for the post-debate spin room. Predictably, the roster is loaded with high-profile names, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA). Their role? Deploy a barrage of positively spun comments to sway perceptions in favor of Harris – a classic political maneuver that’s become a staple in the playbook of career politicians.
In contrast to the glitzy, celebrity-like lineup of the Harris campaign, we know that JD Vance, the Vice Presidential nominee, is expected to represent the Trump campaign. This sparse and seemingly underwhelming lineup may seem a stark contrast to the star-studded Harris brigade. However, it mirrors Trump’s philosophy of keeping his circle small, decisive and committed. Unlike Harris’s crowd-pleasing tactics, Trump focuses on consistency and a singular vision.
Viewing the opposing line-ups for the post-debate spin room paints an interesting picture. Harris’s team seems anchored in political maneuvering, a staple of her campaign’s playbook, while Trump’s team maintains the sober, direct approach that characterizes his political style. Whether this proves a strength or weakness in any capacity remains to be seen. What is certain is that the divide in approach between the two campaigns could not be clearer.
While the world may eagerly await this standoff between polarizing figures, this event’s significance might only be determined by the perceived ‘spin.’ No matter how well or poorly either candidate performs, their success will likely be judged through the lens of their respective campaign publicity. In this context, the debate could be seen as more a battle of public relations than that of political ideals.
No matter the outcome of this iconic debate, one thing remains clear: the deep divide in American politics. Both campaigns are operating on fundamentally different approaches, and the dividing line is only becoming clearer. In such times, the public’s discernment is crucial to understand beyond the spectacle to grasp the true nature of political dramas that continue to unfold.
Ridiculous Optimism Shines in Newsom’s Views on Harris-Biden Strategy appeared first on Real News Now.
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