The notion that the Democratic Party is driven by pragmatism and a commitment to effective governance, while the Republican Party is fueled by tribalism and personality cults, has been turned on its head by Vice President Kamala Harris’s sudden surge in popularity. Just a few months ago, Harris and President Joe Biden’s administration were widely panned, with voters expressing strong disapproval of their handling of issues like the border crisis, inflation, and foreign policy. However, with Biden stepping aside and Harris emerging as a potential nominee, Democrats have suddenly become enamored with her, despite her lack of policy changes.
Harris’s rebound in the polls is all the more striking given that she has not distanced herself from any of the unpopular policies she has supported alongside Biden. She has not repudiated the administration’s decision to end the “Remain in Mexico” policy, nor has she criticized the massive deficit spending bill she once advocated for. Instead, anonymous aides have attempted to rebrand her as a more moderate figure, claiming she no longer supports policies like banning private healthcare and confiscating guns.
This about-face has not been accompanied by any clear explanation or policy shift, leading to questions about Harris’s true stance on key issues. Meanwhile, Democrats have abandoned their previous skepticism of Harris, embracing her as a viable alternative to former President Donald Trump. The sudden shift in opinion is puzzling, given that Harris has not offered any new policies or vision for the country.
The Harris campaign’s efforts to control the narrative have been so intense that they have reportedly prevented running mate Tim Walz from giving solo interviews, fearing he may not be able to articulate Harris’s positions. However, the truth is that Harris’s own views on key issues are unclear, even to herself. Her tendency to make policy decisions on the fly has raised concerns about her fitness for office.
As voters consider their options, they should prioritize the good of the country over personality or party loyalty. The fact that Democrats and Republicans alike have expressed disapproval of the Biden-Harris administration’s policies suggests that Harris is not the sound choice she is being made out to be.
