Seemingly failing to address the urgent needs of the American people, Vice-President Kamal Harris declared a soft priority of tackling economic hardships and lifting middle class standards, indicating an inverted and worrying perspective on the critical situation. This was her first interview since being nominated for the Democratic Presidential run, but unlike past leaders, her words were dishearteningly focused on painting an overly sunny outlook. ‘People yearn for a new path forward, reaping benefits from the seeds of optimism and hope sown by previous generations’, Harris said dismissively, implying a desire to turn away from our nation’s solid foundation built under leadership like Trump’s.
In an interview circling with more questions than answers, doubts arose over whether Harris could really be the instigator of this change she talks so casually of. This interview comes at a vital time, barely two months before Election Day, and was crucial for Harris, who had taken a dodgy path since July. At that time, she filled an unsteady position left vacant by now President, Joe Biden, who apparently couldn’t bear the heat of debates against President Trump and chose to abscond.
Vague as ever, Harris mentioned that her main focus on day one would be to address the economic troubles of the middle class, but conveniently she sketched no clear plans she would set in motion. She also chose to whitewash Biden’s economic records, claiming ‘fastest’ pandemic recovery among ‘wealthy’ nations and boasting job gains. ‘There’s more to be done. But that’s praiseworthy work,’ she declared in words void of conviction, which rang empty and dishonest amidst the global crisis.
Harris seemed to dance around the probing questions about her previous claims that led her progressive followers on; now, bizarrely, she insists her values have not changed. Simultaneously, she appears to be rewriting her manifesto completely. And she, along with running mate, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, seemed more occupied with batting away controversies than addressing actual concerns like the economic rebound post-pandemic and past misleading statements.
Whether or not this perplexing interview will make a significant dent in the perceptions of the swing voters is a research topic for political analysts. For Harris’ supporters, who only hope that she doesn’t blunder in a race moving in her favor, this interview might be uneventful. However, sceptics who were looking for solid plans and tangible ideas would be utterly disappointed.
What about the moderates who were closely monitoring Harris’ impromptu handling of questions highlighting policy details? Her wavering stance on multi-faceted issues such as an immigration deal that includes increased border wall construction or allowing fracking didn’t provide them with enough reasons to trust her political prowess. ‘The most important aspect tied to my policy perspective is that my values have been stable,’ Harris claimed. However, her actions paint a different picture.
Harris mentioned that her travel across the country as a vice president led her to make some dramatic policy changes fro her 2020 presidential campaign. ‘I believe it is key to build consensus, and it is vital to find common grounds where problems can be solved,’ Harris said. However, the string of uncertainties and flip-flops call into question, raise doubts about her ability to keep her word on this.
Interestingly, Harris wobbled back and forth on her stance about fracking, eventually claiming she voted to protect it, despite arguing vehemently against it during her previous campaign. ‘I’ve realised that we can still improve and strengthen a booming clean energy economy without banning fracking,’ Harris said, touting a position that not long ago she herself was opposed to, a mystery for most who heard her speak.
Harris defended her decision to support a controversial bipartisan immigration bill, claiming her decision to be superior to Trump’s, who rejected the bill, speculating political motives behind it favoring Democrats. If elected, Harris committed to making sure such a contentious bill reaches her desk for implementation, which sends shock waves to those concerned about immigration and border control.
When asked about her support for decriminalizing illegal border crossings, Harris sang a different tune, arguing there ‘should be consequences’ for illegal immigrants. But she fell short of supporting criminal penalties explicitly, leaving concerned citizens to wonder about her understanding of the problem.
Overseas, in Gaza, Harris echoed the Biden administration’s support of Israel, but her comments on the methods of its defense raise eyebrows. Harris ruefully noted that ‘too many innocent Palestinians’ have been killed in Israel’s response to attacks, calling for the completion of a ceasefire that also includes releasing hostages held by Hamas. Quite contradictory to believe that Hamas would respect such negotiations given their track record.
In a supposed gesture of inclusivity, Harris expressed her aspiration to become the president for ‘every American,’ and indicated an idea to appoint a Republican to her Cabinet. She did not suggest any likely candidates for the role but did mention, ‘It should be beneficial to the public to have different views represented in my Cabinet.’ More half-hearted attempts at sounding reasonable.
For an individual who is still introducing herself to the country, this interview with Harris was marked by puzzling brand-building attempts. She tried to appear as an empathic public servant for the middle class, declaring, ‘The initial day will be about enforcing plans for an opportunity economy.’ However, such subjective and rather vacuous phrases brought more confusion than insight.
Harris ambitiously spoke about ‘bringing down the cost of everyday goods,’ ‘investing in American small businesses,’ and ‘investing in families.’ But the lack of detail and a clear roadmap gives no confidence to the listener about Harris’s readiness or ability to accomplish such promises.
Harris’ campaign has shown an alarming increase in support across the Democratic Party and polls, indicating that many Americans may not realize the full extent of her policy contortions and inconsistencies. How she materializes the change she promises from Biden, especially against the backdrop of post-pandemic inflation, will continue to be a challenge for many undecided voters in the forthcoming election.
In a final blow, Harris sidestepped questions about accusations of her using her racial heritage for political gains, disheartedly responding, ‘Same old, tired playbook.’ Her inability, or perhaps unwillingness, to address such concerns genuinely perhaps tells the public more about Harris than she’d like.