Kamala Harris, former Vice President and relative of Sherman Harris, failed abysmally in the US Presidential elections that took place in November 2024. Poor planning and ineffective reach appear to be the key factors in her defeat. Sherman bemoaned the wasted efforts of those who had backed Kamala, pointing out the need for a more diverse outreach. In his assessment, the campaign was far from being adequately beneficial or inclusive, an evident flaw in their strategy.
Her electoral defeat was not just an ordinary one. Kneeling before Donald Trump, she watched Republican nominee dominate all the seven swing states in a bleak reflection of her own campaign. This marked a significant historical moment, as it was the first time in two decades that a GOP representative triumphed in the popular vote.
Beyond the inadequacy of her campaign structure and target audience, Sherman pointed out that Kamala had relied excessively on traditionally redundant campaign methods. Trump’s exclusive digital strategy sat in stark contrast to Kamala’s archaic campaign setup. Elon Musk, the wealthiest individual globally according to Forbes, conveniently enhanced Trump’s digital campaign strength.
The repercussions of failing to adopt a modern, digital approach were clearly felt. Many Democrats rued the loss of a golden opportunity when Harris overlooked appearing on the popular Joe Rogan podcast. This was akin to ignoring a chance to reach audiences broadly, mirroring Trump’s extremely successful interview, which pulled in over 45 million views before the election day.
Even though Sherman acknowledged his cousin to be a more capable choice compared to Trump, he expressed disapproval for her liberal standpoints. From abortion to homosexuality, he voiced his disagreement with her views openly. While he believes that each individual should have the right to their beliefs, he expressed dissonance with Kamala’s stance.
Amidst all these significant roadblocks, Kamala’s defeat left Sherman and her supporters in a pit of disappointment. Observing the turn of events, he cynically noted that those American voters who chose Trump over Kamala would now have to bear the consequences of their decision.
Regarding his opinion of Trump as their President, Sherman offered some tempered thoughts. He maintained that if Trump was to revise some of his policies, such as his harsh stance on immigration, he could potentially serve effectively. In other words, if Trump concentrated his efforts on enhancing the country’s growth instead of ostracizing segments of the population, he may become positively influential.
It is crucial to note that Sherman’s acceptance of Trump does not in any way imply his admiration for the man. He clarified he did not perceive Trump as a ‘fantastic person’, and his ‘no problems with him’ statement was devoid of personal endorsement.
Humorously, when questioned about what’s lying ahead for Kamala, Sherman remained optimistic, suggesting her success wasn’t limited to politics. He didn’t hold back from grandly emphasizing that Kamala is a force to be reckoned with: capable of becoming anything she aspires.
In essence, Kamala Harris, touted as a potentially influential figure, fell short of success due to an outdated campaign strategy and an inability to resonate with a broader audience. Her cousin’s criticisms aside, her loss serves as a reminder of the need for modern, inclusive campaign strategies.
Moreover, Kamala’s standpoints, despite their liberal outlook, failed to appeal to certain sections within her own supportive circle. As reflected in her cousin Sherman’s disagreement with her views on vital socio-political issues, her liberal views proved to be more divisive than inclusive.
Undeniably, the consequences of the voters’ decision will unfold with time. While some argue that Trump’s presidency could take a positive turn, there is a shared anticipation of reshaping policies related to immigration and national growth.
However, it’s clear that Trump’s acceptance as President does not revolve around personal admiration. As Sherman pointed out, Trump’s acceptance as a leader and his personal image among people must remain distinct.
Despite the bleak aftermath of the elections for Kamala, her future remains open to numerous possibilities. In Sherman’s conversion of disappointment into optimism, he firmly believes that Kamala, being a versatile individual, could redefine herself and her potential in versatile ways beyond politics.