A telling moment on Monday’s edition of The New York Times‘ “The Daily” podcast shed light on the Democrats’ mindset ahead of their convention. When asked about a potential Kamala Harris presidency at the very end of the podcast, politics reporter Astead Herndon laughed and candidly admitted that it’s unclear what kind of president she would be. Moreover, he suggested that Democrats are not particularly concerned about her policies, as long as she wins the election and prevents Donald Trump from securing another term.
This lack of interest in Harris’s policy proposals is telling. Her recent attempts to outline her ideas have been met with confusion and criticism. Her policy proposals are limited and unoriginal, including a plan to eliminate federal taxes on gratuities, a child tax credit (which she stole from her boss), and a $25,000 giveaway for first-time home buyers. Her proposal for a “federal ban on price gauging on food” was particularly cringe-worthy, with many assuming she meant to say “gouging.”
The press has been gentle in its criticism of Harris’s proposals, with outlets like Axios and The Washington Post describing them as “gimmicks” and “misguided.” However, this soft pedaling is not surprising, given the media’s tendency to coddle Democratic candidates.
Despite the media’s kid-glove treatment, it’s clear that Harris is out of her depth and lacks a compelling vision for the country. Her inability to articulate a coherent policy agenda is a major liability, and her attempts to do so have been embarrassing.
As a result, Harris’s campaign has focused on intangibles like “vibes” and “joy,” rather than substance. This approach may appeal to some, but it’s unlikely to resonate with voters who are looking for a candidate with a clear vision and a track record of leadership. When Harris tries to talk about policy, it’s a disaster, and Democrats know it.
