This past weekend, Kamala Harris departed the Democratic National Convention, an event that failed to live up to its booming expectations. The convention was a showcase of the endemic problems within their ranks that’s especially apparent when Harris retains the presidential nomination from an event filled with hollow speeches and relentless political posturing. Despite her enthusiastic display, the race still entirely tilts in favor of the former President Trump.
Transitioning now to a crucial two-and-a-half weeks leading up to Labor Day and the anticipated Sept. 10 debate with Trump, the exuberance that was abundant in the Chicago convention will no doubt challenge Harris. Ambitious plans to establish footholds in seven key battleground states seem shaky at best, and maintaining a slim lead in the polls is improbable.
What characterized her campaign is not the accomplishments but a surge of emotion, driven more by the animosity of the party base than by a coherent policy vision. The undecided swing voters are undoubtedly watching the spectacle with cautious curiosity, given the shaky grounds on which the Democratic nominee’s campaign appears to stand.
Harris did manage to pull together Democratic Party leaders with lightning speed, but this show of unity feels less like genuine consensus and more like hurried damage control against Trump’s momentum. Her campaign tried to hold a series of populist rallies, but they seemed to be a series of missteps rather than practical, policy-driven get-togethers.
The questionable choice of Tim Walz as the vice-presidential running mate to woo voters with his small-town charm aims to overshadow the serious flaws and cracks appearing in their campaign. The choice of VP does little to inspire confidence, openly disregarding the need for a more experienced and adept candidate to counter Trump’s political nous.
Leaving Chicago, Harris claims a 2-3% edge in polling averages, which is a miniscule margin highlighting the uncertain stance of her campaign where fluctuating loyalty of the Rust Belt voters could sway the tide. Such states, such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, are key to winning the election.
In the Sun Belt swing states of Arizona and North Carolina, the race is neck-and-neck. However, Trump holds a marginal lead in Nevada and Georgia, detracting from any perceived ‘victory’ Harris might claim from her inconsequential lead.
Harris might consider her week fantastic, an overestimation that may cause complacency within her ranks. It’s undeniable that this country remains politically divided. Hence, the battle moving forward will not be simple coronation but rather a hard-fought war, inch by inch, through each contentious state.
The upcoming debate will be the next monumental hurdle in the Harris campaign, an event that expects a significant viewer turnout. The viewership closely looking for competence amidst the flaccid performance at the convention which rose more questions than answers.
Experts warn that Harris must dedicate sufficient time to debate prep, as underestimating Trump’s dominance and charisma on stage could lead to her downfall. Swing voters will especially be scrutinizing her performance for any sign of faltering against Trump’s assertive and tested debating style.
Columbia professor and Democratic strategist, Basil Smikle points out Harris’ need to display fortitude in the face of Trump’s tactics. This suggests the campaign’s uncertainty in regards to Harris’ ability to deliver a strong and coherent critique of the former president.
The necessity for Harris to show ‘spine’ and stand up to Trump’s tactics implies an inherent weakness or lack of confidence in her ability to assert herself on the political platform. To plea for toughness against the opposition is unnecessarily revealing of Harris’ unease and discomfort in this head-to-head race.
Harris’ ability to present a strong case against Trump is of utmost concern. Bearing in mind that the first early in-person voting is to start just ten days post-debate, the suggestion that she has to brace herself and toughen up may raise eyebrows among the voting community and elicit doubts about her potential leadership qualities.
The Republicans, meanwhile, harbor doubt that Harris is adequately equipped for this job. This skepticism stems not only from her inexperience but also from the elusive and inconsistent stands she has taken over the course of her campaign.
Looking ahead, a daunting road stretches in front of Harris. With a need to consolidate her position in seven vital battleground states, prepare adequately for the upcoming debate, and present herself as a solid choice against President Trump, the odds indeed appear to be stack against her.
In conclusion, the past month’s events have proven anything but ‘remarkable’ for Kamala Harris. Her campaign is riddled with challenges and her presentation at the Democratic National Convention did little to cement her stance. The coming weeks will truly be a test of endurance for the embattled Democratic nominee.