In recent discussions surrounding the upcoming election, there has been a growing sentiment among Democratic officials that, should Vice President Kamala Harris lose, President Joe Biden will bear significant responsibility. A report by Politico highlights insights from various Democrat insiders who assert that the potential failure of Harris’s campaign can be attributed to Biden’s late acknowledgment of the need to hand over the reins. Many believe that Biden’s decision to run for reelection at the age of 81, despite his declining mental acuity and low approval ratings, ultimately cost Harris vital time and support she could have leveraged for her campaign.
Democrats, according to Politico, are unified in the belief that should Trump win the election, the blame would lie at Biden’s feet. The insiders argue that Biden’s prolonged tenure hampered Harris’s efforts to separate herself from an administration that is perceived as subpar. Even though Biden finally endorsed Harris, her attempts to differentiate her policy initiatives from his administration were perceived as insufficiently compelling. A telling moment occurred during her appearance on The View when Harris was unable to articulate any significant decisions she would have made differently from Biden, a misstep that underscored her challenges in establishing an independent identity.
The report also cites strategic missteps in Harris’s campaign, particularly concerning the selection of her running mate. Many Democrats believe that she should have chosen Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro instead of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a decision that has been critiqued as detrimental to her campaign strategy. Furthermore, Harris’s failure to distance herself from her image as a progressive figure has limited her appeal among moderates and centrists. This inability to capture a broader electorate poses a significant challenge as she attempts to rally support in a polarized political landscape.
In contrast, a discussion about Trump’s potential vulnerabilities surfaces in the analysis as well. If the former president were to lose, Politico’s correspondents noted that it would stem from his innate tendency to act as Trump does. The report speculates on whether Trump made strategic errors with his selection of running mate JD Vance, suggesting that figures like Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin or former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley might have better complemented him while attracting a more moderate voter base. The broader implications of Trump’s persona have also worked against him, particularly among female voters.
Historically, Trump’s policies and rhetoric have alienated segments of the female electorate, especially following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, contributing to his unpopularity among women. This dynamic has been compounded by instances of perceived sexism in his comments about Harris. Interestingly, even within Democratic circles, Harris’s campaign has faced scrutiny for its handling of gender issues. Prominent female lawmakers have expressed concerns about potential misogynistic undertones in Harris’s messaging and campaign strategies.
A recent advertisement aimed at suburban women highlighting the secrecy of voting for Harris without informing their husbands has also drawn criticism as “insulting.” It suggests that the campaign has at times missed the mark in directly engaging its target audience, leading to questions about its effectiveness. Overall, the political landscape is marked by risks and challenges for both Harris’s campaign and Trump’s reelection bid, emphasizing the importance of strategic decision-making, voter outreach, and the need for candidates to connect meaningfully with the electorate. The outcome of this electoral battle appears poised to hinge significantly on the perceived competency and appeal of each candidate amid evolving dynamics.