Gov. Chris Sununu has declared an amusing case of political bubble-wrapped distraction when it comes to Vice President Kamala Harris and her campaign’s reluctance to step outside the plush confines of Washington, D.C., While Donald Trump is out shaking hands and kissing babies with the vigor of a puppy chasing a ball, Harris seems more content to nibble on the delicious D.C. snacks rather than engage with real Americans. Sununu has pointed out the irony of an incumbent Vice President scrambling to connect, especially with just a few months left in the campaign, following her announcement coinciding with Biden’s exit from the race.
Biden had some success in flipping key states like Arizona, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia during the 2020 election, largely due to his rally-heavy strategy. Harris, on the other hand, is on a different game plan altogether—one that could be mistaken for a tour of high-end coffee shops rather than a true grassroots campaign. Her appearances in these battleground states have been, at best, few and far between, and this has given Sununu ample fodder for his criticisms. He’s emphasized that someone with aspirations to lead the nation should be willing to get a little dirty—figuratively speaking unless one counts the butter smeared on those fancy D.C. pastries.
That says she us not qualified to be President, she can't even do a presser!
No thanks!
Sununu says Harris is ‘risk-adverse’ and not ‘willing to be uncomfortable’ #Wisconsin #DonaldTrump #Georgia #Pennsylvaniahttps://t.co/y5xCWkJ4fc— MWB (@Mb51082451) October 6, 2024
Sununu, a seasoned political player himself, quipped about the necessity of being “risk-averse” in a campaign. He pointed out that real leaders should leapfrog comfort zones like kids on a trampoline, engaging with voters beyond their inner circles. He contended that the more Harris clings to her bubble, the more disconnected she appears from the struggles and sentiments of average Americans. After all, sitting in the grand offices of the Capitol isn’t exactly good practice for genuine outreach and understanding the pulse of the nation.
In contrast, Trump has been busy since the fall of 2022, infectiously spreading his brand of hopeful chaos on the campaign trail. Recently, in Butler, Pennsylvania, he took a moment to revisit the site of a thwarted assassination attempt, proving he isn’t afraid to walk through places that put others on edge—and not just be wherever the latest brunch spot is serving avocado toast. For Trump, every interaction on the ground is a chance to reinforce the message that he genuinely cares about the concerns of voters, proving that action speaks louder than words.
Despite his initial endorsement of Nikki Haley, Sununu eventually threw his weight behind Trump once it became clear that he would be the Republican nominee. This gives ample credence to Sununu’s perspective: it’s not just about rhetoric; it’s about making real connections. In a world where Harris seems happy to stay in her D.C. bubble, it remains to be seen how her campaign intends to resonate with citizens beyond the well-catered gatherings and carefully curated crowds. The clock is ticking for her in this politically charged game. As it stands, Trump appears more prepared to connect—with all the exuberance of a candidate who understands the value of stepping out from the shadow of Washington.