Staff Reports
Kamala Harris, still occupying the vice presidency under a president whose activity level could rival that of a sloth on sedatives, is reportedly pondering her next moves in the political chess game. It’s an opportunity for some introspection, and perhaps a glance back at a former vice president who’s become a household name for all the wrong reasons: Dan Quayle.
Quayle, who served alongside George H.W. Bush, was a product of a childhood spent between Indiana and Arizona, with family roots in the newspaper industry. He made his political debut by taking out a long-standing Democrat in Indiana’s 4th District. His winning streak didn’t stop there – he catapulted to the Senate with a decisive victory and even became an indelible part of the political landscape during the 1988 election, though not always in a flattering light.
Kamala, Remember Dan Quayle? https://t.co/8pz7W41E6q
— NahBabyNah #Trump (@NahBabyNah) December 18, 2024
As Harris embarks on her reflective journey, it’s essential to recognize Quayle’s legacy. Despite his gaffes that changed him from serious politician to the punchline of a thousand jokes—most notably his infamous “potatoe” blunder—Quayle held a position of power and managed to propel himself into the spotlight. His tenure in office saw initiatives aimed at tackling significant issues, although his lapses in communication overshadowed much of that work.
Contrastingly, under Harris’ watch, things haven’t been quite as rosy. While Quayle navigated his way through sunny weather in the political arena, Harris seems more like a ship lost at sea, adrift since her short-lived presidential run imploded faster than a spent firework. After throwing out incendiary accusations against the president who ultimately selected her as his vice president—likely due to his promise of a female minority to pad his ticket—she now finds herself reconsidering her role after a lackluster and often criticized term in office.
So what can Harris learn from Quayle? For one, even a controversial figure like Quayle recognized when the political winds were unfavorable and bowed out gracefully after losing to Bill Clinton. Instead of clinging to a waning political dynasty, he moved on to a successful business career. Meanwhile, Harris appears to be stuck in a loop of poor performances, proving that taking notes from Quayle might not be a bad idea after all.
In the grand scheme of things, focusing on the misfires and follies of previous vice presidents could be Harris’ best bet for a miracle comeback story. She might ponder her next steps over a latte at Starbucks—coming up with a plan sweeter than her chances of future political triumphs. Does emulating Quayle mean finally stepping back from the public eye? That’s a question worth considering as her political future looks dimmer than a flickering bulb.
