Vice President Kamala Harris's rise to the top of the Democratic ticket has been anything but smooth. After President Joe Biden's sudden withdrawal from the 2024 race in July, Harris quickly stepped into the spotlight as the presumptive nominee. Yet, her campaign has been marred by a series of challenges that highlight her difficulty in convincing the American public that she is fit to lead the nation.
From the outset, Harris has faced criticism for her lack of transparency and engagement with the media. After securing the nomination, she avoided direct interactions with the press for nearly three weeks, a stark contrast to her Republican counterpart, former President Donald Trump, who has consistently taken questions and held press conferences. Even when Harris did finally address reporters, her responses were evasive, especially when pressed on critical issues like her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who has been accused of stolen valor.
🤣 SAVAGE TRUMP 🤣
THEO VON: I would love to get to talk to Kamala Harris
TRUMP: “I’m sure she’d be very exciting! Actually you could make her exciting.”
THEO VON: “I hear she’s good at roller skating”
TRUMP: “That’s about it.”
pic.twitter.com/ge4MgXj7Mg— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 21, 2024
Harris's campaign has also been hampered by her history of taking extreme positions on a range of issues, which have alienated moderate voters. Her record as a staunch progressive has been highlighted by critics, who argue that she represents the far-left wing of the Democratic Party, a stance that could be a liability in the general election.
Despite attempts to rebrand herself, Harris's inability to shed her "woke" persona has made it difficult for her to appeal to the broader electorate, with many seeing her as out of touch with mainstream America.
"When I am president, I will bring down the cost of groceries!"
Kamala Harris promises she will make groceries more affordable if she becomes president.
She is vice president NOW. She voted for every major Bidenomics bill that caused higher inflation. pic.twitter.com/IcDoZIaOSz
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) August 21, 2024
Adding to her woes, Harris's campaign has been plagued by a series of gaffes and missteps. Her tendency to laugh at inappropriate moments, often referred to as "cacklerhea," has drawn widespread criticism and reinforced perceptions of her as unserious and unprepared.
These incidents have not only embarrassed her campaign but also provided ample fodder for her opponents, who have been quick to exploit these moments to paint her as unfit for the presidency.
Moreover, Harris's strategy of avoiding unscripted moments has further fueled doubts about her readiness to lead. Unlike Biden, who successfully navigated his campaign by limiting his public appearances, Harris's attempts to follow a similar path have backfired. Her refusal to engage in spontaneous interactions has only reinforced the perception that she is hiding from scrutiny, a dangerous approach for someone aspiring to the highest office in the land.
The selection of Tim Walz as her running mate has also raised eyebrows. Walz, who hails from a state unlikely to be in play for Democrats in 2024, brings little to the ticket beyond reinforcing Harris's progressive credentials. His controversial past, including accusations of lying about his military service, has done little to bolster Harris's campaign and may even drag it down further.
