Staff Reports
Kamala Harris is attempting to shift gears in the wake of increasing criticism from Republicans, particularly former President Donald Trump, who has honed in on her record and policies related to immigration. To counter the narrative that has pinned her as Biden’s “border czar,” Harris has decided to embark on a border trip this Friday, hoping to exude a sense of urgency and competence about border security. This is a bold move for a woman whose absence from actual border enforcement has not gone unnoticed—especially since public sentiment increasingly favors the former president over her on this issue.
Since ascending to the top of the 2024 Democratic ticket in July, Harris has made concerted efforts to polish her image. She seems acutely aware of the perception that has emerged around her role in shaping immigration policy. Republicans have been relentless, calling attention to her lack of presence at the southern border, presenting her as out of touch and ineffectual. Even her party seems to have second-guessed her ability to handle the issues at hand, as evidenced by the millions spent on advertisements trying to win back trust.
Washington Examiner: Harris attempts ‘last-ditch’ sprint to redefine herself before election https://t.co/1QoMwxvTKS
— Ian Hansen News 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHansenNews) September 27, 2024
In a bid to bolster her standing, Harris has claimed her credentials, emphasizing her time as attorney general in a border state where she purportedly battled transnational gangs and drug cartels. However, accusing her of rewriting history is an understatement, especially as she prepares for her trip to Douglas, Arizona. This visit appears to be less about genuine commitment to border security and more about crafting photo ops to distract from her administration’s abysmal track record. The irony of Harris’s supposed dedication to “American sovereignty” is particularly rich, given the ongoing border crisis that many believe she has exacerbated.
The skepticism surrounding Harris’s trip is palpable. Trump’s campaign has characterized her actions as a desperate last-ditch effort to save face, which certainly raises eyebrows. The Republican National Committee has pointed out the tragic consequences of Harris’s policies, shedding light on gruesome incidents tied to criminals who entered the U.S.—a direct fallout of the lax immigration policies she endorsed. With inflation skyrocketing and crime surging, many Americans see her actions as insincere attempts at placation rather than a genuine commitment to addressing real and pressing issues.
Meanwhile, the contradiction between her immigration priorities and the backdrop of her other public engagements is glaring. In recent appearances discussing economic policy and gun control, she has managed to flounder through critical answers that reflect her lack of understanding of basic economics and national security. The Biden administration’s fumbling approach is now her burden to bear, and the critics are more than ready to remind voters of the damage inflicted by their policies.
In the end, Harris may find that her efforts to smooth over the narrative surrounding her first term are more of a mirage. She faces a tough crowd of voters who are increasingly skeptical of her promises, and her border visit may very well serve only to reinforce the concerns that she is a leader without a plan. As Republicans continue to rally around a vision of law and order, the glaring contrast to Harris’s approach might seal her fate in the upcoming election.
