Staff Reports
The political landscape has shifted yet again, and this time, it’s Kamala Harris feeling the heat. For five weeks, Vice President Harris, who many affectionately—or derisively—refer to as Cackly McNeverBorderCzar, enjoyed a lead over former President Donald Trump that was more stable than an IKEA chair with the right instructions. Yet, in a turn of events that even the most optimistic among the Trump camp couldn’t predict, her lead has vanished faster than a budget surplus at a government spending spree.
Nolte: National Poll — Kamala Harris’s Five-Week Lead Evaporates https://t.co/mjioSJf5SG
— Steve Ferguson (@lsferguson) September 12, 2024
Back on August 6, the vice president was riding high, outpacing Trump 45 to 43 percent in the Economist/YouGov national poll. As the weeks rolled on, that lead held, even expanded slightly at times, making it seem like Harris might be able to cruise to victory comfortably. But all that glitters is not gold, and by September 8-10, the numbers had crumbled into a dead heat, both candidates stuck at a respectable yet troubling 45 percent.
What could have derailed her campaign momentum? Many analysts point to the recent debate between Trump and Harris. Although the press is claiming Harris triumphed in terms of style points and snappy one-liners, the undecided voters, who typically determine elections, appear to have remained unmoved by her performance. While she may look good on stage, she seemed to offer less substance than a soggy cardboard box. And it turns out that folks are just not buying a future that lacks a solid policy foundation—even when dressed up with a smile and practiced poise.
A focus group conducted by Reuters, consisting of ten undecided voters, showed Trump edging ahead, with six leaning toward him. The verdict from these elusive undecideds was clear. While Harris may have won on style, Trump captivated them with his concrete policies and a vision for change that they are craving after an exasperating four years of Biden and Harris. It’s almost as if voters are suffering from nationwide buyer’s remorse after being sold a lemon of an administration.
Despite the debate being a low point for some Trump supporters, the public will likely quickly forget it, especially with Harris defaulting to her favorite pastime: avoiding direct engagement with voters. The political machine often prefers soundbites over real discussions, and it appears Harris is already gearing up for another round of dodging the hard questions. She missed a golden opportunity to pivot the campaign toward future policy instead of making it solely about Trump, yet here we are, back on the cycle of evasion.
For Kamala Harris to turn this campaign around, a plan—any plan—needs to be laid out. A roadmap for recovery from her policy blackout could boost her campaign, but as it stands, she might just be stuck in a quagmire of her own doing. The heat is on, and just like that, Trump still feels like the fiery underdog, ready to reclaim the title for a country yearning for change.
