Come next Monday, former Vice President Kamala Harris will preside over a joint session of Congress, an ironic twist of fate as she certifies her own collapse against Donald Trump. Her primary task that day? Preventing a repeat of the turbulent events that rocked the Congress four years ago. A prerecorded video reveals her feigned commitment to peace and stability, with her words emphasizing an alleged ‘sacred obligation’ towards patriotism and the Constitution. But one can only wonder about the depth of faith she places in the American people after her dramatic loss to Trump.
In a similar vein, Donald Trump held a rally in Washington D.C. on January 6th, 2021 where he spoke about doubts over the authenticity of the election results. His assertion that the results were potentially manipulated ignited passion among his supporters who then marched towards the Capitol in a historic display of solidarity. In stark contrast, Kamala Harris, then the vice president-elect, was located inside the Democratic National Committee headquarters when a potential threat emerged outside.
A pipe bomb, eerily placed next to a park bench, was discovered outside of the Democratic National Committee headquarters where Harris remained. It was not long until the Capitol Police and Secret Service responded accordingly, evacuating her swiftly from the premises. Under her watch, the peaceful transition of power she champions was disturbed by a chilling act of violence.
As the cold of 2024 sets in, despite her defeat, Harris has decided to swallow the bitter pill of failure, with no large-scale protests from the Democratic camp scheduled to warm up the frosty political landscape. As she concedes to reality, Harris seems to be insisting that she will adhere to the democratic norms that her own party regularly seems to question.
While supposedly nursing her wounds from the loss, Harris suggests that she carries hopes of remaining politically relevant post-office. One might ask if this is a wise or desired decision considering her loss to Trump. She articulates her plan in a freshly-minted video, emphasizing her constitutional duty to approve the 2024 election results. An underlined notion of the fragility of democracy pops up, naturally shifting the blame elsewhere.
The video surely seeks to strengthen Harris’s firm — albeit misguided — viewpoint that the Vice President’s role in certifying election outcomes is supposed to be a slight responsibility, a minute task amidst grander undertakings. It’s a pointed reminder to the American public about their role in preserving this very democracy. The emotional impact this could have on her supporters, as she herself admits to, however, is brushed off without much of a second glance.
Her defeat seems to be coated in heavy layers of ‘sadness and frustration’, as she stubbornly clings to the belief that she deserved a win. Regrettably for her, the nation quashed her dreams by refusing to play to her desired tune. A senior adviser affirms her refusal to allow personal inclinations or disappointment to hamper the certification of votes. However, her understanding — or perhaps lack thereof — raises questions.
In a statement bereft of authenticity, an adviser surmised that ‘the vice president understands that our democracy entails elected leaders and ordinary citizens striving to actively safeguard it’. The assertion that she certifies the election results on January 6th with a ‘deep sense of responsibility and duty’ does little to soothe the lingering doubt. Her reaffirmation of the alleged will of the American people rings hollow after the decisive judgment that they rendered against her.
As Harris readies to step away from the limelight, speculation suggests a return to California to lick her political wounds. Perhaps, the distance from her Vice Presidential responsibilities will provide some perspective on her failed campaign and the reasons for Trump’s victory. One thing is for sure, the residual effects of her failed term will continue to reverberate.
Though her defeat was resounding, Harris seems reluctant to accept the cold truth about the will of the American populace. The reasons for her comprehensive defeat at the hands of Donald Trump hover ominously in the background, an unspoken reality. Her insistence on standing tall — even while nursing a resounding political rebuff— illustrates a frail grasp on reality.
Stated belief aside, one wonders if Harris truly comprehends the responsibilities she talks about. It’s as if she overlooks the fact that it’s the will of the people that ultimately guides the direction of democracy. Yet again, this could be indicative of a narrative pushed by Harris and her team to salvage some dignity from their comprehensive defeat.
Coverage of her words and actions, particularly as she shamelessly announces her plans to retain political relevance, unfortunately, only magnifies her failure. It’s tragically comic that she expects to wield influence in the political arena after such a significant loss. But peradventure, the citizens may be inclined to laugh at these antics rather than see any real valor.