Staff Reports
Vice President Kamala Harris is suddenly the belle of the ball after President Joe Biden decided to take a permanent vacation from the presidential race. With Biden’s departure, the RealClearPolitics average has shown a seismic shift in polling — moving from Trump’s slight lead of three points to Harris scraping ahead of him by about one. It seems that Democrats, buoyed by the sweet scent of Biden’s exit, are filling out polls like they’re casting votes for a new reality series. As swing states also seem to be flirting with Harris, it raises the question of whether the appearances of joy might actually just be a collective sigh of relief from the party.
One of the great mysteries in political analysis today is what exactly is propelling Harris’s sudden boost. Some experts propose that a newfound enthusiasm amongst Democrats, who were morose just a month ago, could be doing the trick. This theory suggests that Democrats are eager to voice their opinions again, which typically translates to spike-tastic polling as folks are more than happy to speak when their side seems victorious. Alternatively, others suggest that Trump’s previous appeal to wavering voters may have diminished simply because they have a real alternative now in Harris.
However, what’s more compelling, and perhaps humorous, is how Harris’s current campaign appears to be the most risk-averse operation seen in the last 80 years. Naturally, “conservative” here doesn’t refer to her policy stance—because in that arena, she’s as liberal as they come. Rather, it’s about her decision to avoid high-risk gambits. She’s stuck to her script like a kid with a security blanket—no press conferences, no sit-down interviews, and bringing on Gov. Tim Walz as an unexciting running mate who won’t send any red flags among critical voting demographics.
This choreographed approach, with messages delivered via teleprompter, gives off the vibe of watching a sitcom where characters want to avoid any real conflict. Her speeches feel like a collection of Democratic platitudes strung together with some vague, flowery language meant to placate the party. Rather than debate fiery Republican stances, she seems to be echoing Trump’s ideas, including a call to eliminate taxes on tips for service workers—something he proposed months prior. So instead of trailblazing new paths, she appears to be colorfully retracing Trump’s footsteps, which might just leave voters scratching their heads.
Harris’s play-it-safe approach parallels the “Martyball” strategy popularized by former NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer. In Schottenheimer’s world, the mantra is simple: run, run, pass, and punt—no risks are involved. While it’s a strategy aimed at minimizing mistakes, it’s hardly a recipe for an exciting campaign. When incumbents like Nixon and Reagan apply the cautious touch, it makes sense as they’re riding high in approval ratings. But Harris is not an incumbent; she’s a challenger who needs to ignite some genuine enthusiasm rather than dance between the raindrops of vague statements.
Washington Examiner: Liberals campaigning conservatively https://t.co/uxKGvrp0oG
— Ian’s Newsfeed 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHNewsFeed) August 16, 2024
Drawing comparisons to past candidates, Thomas Dewey in 1948 also played it safe but ended up losing to Harry Truman, who boldly ran a campaign against the establishment. Harris might dream of pulling off a similar feat as she attempts to position herself against Trump, but the political winds aren’t in her favor. The public mood, while sour, isn’t akin to the despair of the Great Depression, and the GOP holds undeniable advantages on pressing issues such as immigration and the economy. The Trump campaign is surely gearing up to remind every voter of Biden’s blunders, labeling Harris as just another extension of his failed policies.
This strange “campaign about nothing” strategy of Harris may leave many wondering if she’ll eventually change course. The upcoming Democratic National Convention will shed light on whether she plans to offer radical changes or stick to the bland refrain of how terrible Trump is. In an election defined by personalities, her avoidance of bold stances could be her undoing, as voters may not fall for vague reassurances alone. With 2024 on the horizon, the path ahead promises to be anything but ordinary as the country braces itself for a politically puzzling season.
