US campaign - Vice President's Balance-Sheet: the six construction sites of Kamala Harris
Perhaps Joe Biden's declaration, "to be a bridge for the next generation," back then during his campaign four years ago, was perhaps meant in earnest. But as the elected President of the United States, he found the Oval Office chair so comfortable that he didn't want to hand it over to his designated successor that quickly. And it wasn't as if the country was clamoring for Kamala Harris. Quite the opposite. In fact, only about 35 percent of Americans supported her at the beginning of her vice presidency, which underperformed not only Biden's polling numbers but also those of his unpopular predecessor, Mike Pence.
At the Beginning, She Was Almost Co-President
The first woman and non-White in the role was still seen as a sort of Co-President at the beginning of 2021, but she acted so clumsily and harshly that Biden soon saw no alternative. By June 27, 2024: On that Thursday, the 81-year-old stumbled in his TV debate against Donald Trump and showed the entire nation that he was no longer capable.
It took three weeks for him to reluctantly give up a re-election bid. And suddenly, Kamala Harris was back. The woman whom hardly anyone had given a cent to before. Names like Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, Gavin Newsom, governor of California, and Pete Buttigieg, US Transportation Secretary, were bandied about as potential future contenders. Even Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who had switched from the Democratic camp, was talked about more than Kamala Harris.
Kamala Harris' Six Fault Lines
Her modest popularity has many reasons, and these may well be her hidden fault lines in her campaign:
Border Security: The issue of illegal immigration has driven Americans for years. Conservatives speak of an "invasion" at the border with Mexico, where Trump once wanted to build a wall. When Joe Biden moved into the White House, he assigned Harris the task of dealing with it – an ungrateful project is hardly conceivable in US politics.
With one of her first official acts, Harris effectively dashed any hopes that she might bask in glory: As the newly appointed US Vice President, she traveled to Central America, met with those seeking refuge in the US from war and violence, and sternly warned, "Don't come!" "Stay away."
The number of border crossings continued to rise, and Joe Biden eventually took up the issue himself and announced a significantly tougher immigration policy in the spring. Harris' poor record on this crucial issue could be her greatest burden in the campaign.
The Non-Campaigner: In the last presidential election, Harris had campaigned for the highest office in the land herself. After a sensational start, however, her campaign quickly fizzled out. The jurist was criticized for her inability to convey "clear messages" at the time. Her botched campaign still hangs around her neck.
The Quotas-Non-White: Despite not making it onto the Democratic primary ballot in 2020, Kamala Harris was nominated as Joe Biden's Vice Presidential candidate due to "diversity," as he put it. Conservative circles accuse her of becoming Vice President solely based on her gender and ethnicity (her father is Jamaican, her mother Tamil). This debate should once again pick up steam this year as she did not qualify for the primaries again.
Voting Rights Reform: The right to vote is an issue on which Americans are surprisingly united. For instance, there is no right to vote by mail, and some advocate making Election Day a holiday. Kamala Harris should also focus on this project. In just about a year, the right people were brought on board, and the Congress was prepared accordingly. However, it was ultimately two Democratic Senators, her own people, who denied her their support. And so, the Vice President was left with empty hands.
Employee Burnout: The political business in the US is fast-paced, with job, project, and team changes being the norm. However, it reflects poorly on leadership figures when they exchange their people too frequently. Kamala Harris' staff suffered from this after the start of her tenure. The reasons were that the boss herself was reportedly unhappy, the team was frustrated, and the office was disorganized. Her office is running smoothly now, but her reputation as a bad boss keeps resurfacing.
Her Laughing: It's absurd and unfair to criticize a politician for laughing, but in the extremely image-conscious US campaign, even laughter can be used against the candidates. Her opponent Donald Trump accused her of having an "odd laugh," and Harris is certainly not a joker, but someone who enjoys, loves, and laughs loudly.
Michael Titze, a laughter researcher, said in a stern interview, "People who laugh a lot see themselves as strong and competent and are not afraid of social conflicts. In that sense, Kamala Harris will be a formidable opponent for Donald Trump." The Republican has so far responded to every threat with even greater counter-threats.
Harris acts like Donald Trump with Attacks
Harris has 100 days left to shore up her projects – and all those that the Republicans will open before November. The way she will do this is starting to become clear. In a large portrait in the US magazine "The Atlantic," Harris herself said, "My strength is not in 'nice speeches.' But I can attack – just like my opponent."
As a prosecutor, Harris recounted, she had dealt with criminals who "abused women, swindlers who defrauded consumers, and charlatans who broke rules for their own benefit. Listen to me when I say I know types like Donald Trump."
In the context of the US Election 2024, Donald Trump is posing a formidable challenge to Kamala Harris, who is known for her ability to attack just like her opponent. This is a stark contrast to Joe Biden's declared intention during his campaign four years ago to be a bridge for the next generation. Despite this, Kamala Harris' popularity remains low, with issues such as border security, her previous campaign missteps, and perceptions of her being appointed based on diversity being among her identified fault lines.
