Tezlyn Figaro, a former adviser to Senator Bernie Sanders, has expressed strong criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign efforts in the presidential election, labeling it a “disaster” and asserting that she had “never a chance in hell” against Donald Trump. Speaking with NewsNation’s Dan Abrams, Figaro indicated that the campaign’s trajectory was flawed from the outset. She noted that it was apparent from mid-2020 that Harris’s campaign was heading towards failure, suggesting the strategy of a short, 100-day campaign was particularly misguided, especially for a woman of color. Figaro argued that a more thorough primary season might have provided a better democratic process for selecting a candidate to oppose Trump.
Figaro placed significant blame on President Joe Biden for the campaign’s shortcomings, asserting that he should have stepped back earlier in favor of a more viable candidate. She argued that his prolonged candidacy crowded the field and stifled the momentum that Harris could have built upon. Furthermore, Figaro criticized the political consultant class, which she believed had repeatedly botched campaign strategies since the Obama administration. She voiced frustration at their failure to engage with grassroots movements and the communities they purported to represent, which she claimed resulted in a lost opportunity to connect with voters on a deeper level.
The role of consultants and their approach to campaign funding came under fire in Figaro’s commentary. She alleged that they have consistently misallocated resources, prioritizing celebrity endorsements and internal party dynamics over addressing the direct needs of voters. By focusing on top-down strategies rather than grassroots concerns, Figaro contended that these consultants earned their poor results, causing broader consequences for the Democratic Party as a whole. She expressed disappointment that these patterns persisted, indicating a cycle of mismanagement and disregard for the electorate.
In her discussion with Abrams, Figaro advocated for a transformative approach within the Democratic Party, urging a shift in attention from traditional political influencers to a more inclusive dialogue with ordinary voters. She stressed the importance of understanding the perspectives and needs of the grassroots, asserting that only by heeding these voices could the party find a path to success in future elections. Figaro’s comments highlighted a growing frustration within parts of the party about the disconnect between elite decision-making and the realities faced by constituents.
Figaro’s critique underscored a broader concern regarding the future of Democratic electoral strategy. She posited that without a fundamental reassessment of how campaigns are structured and how engagement occurs with voters, the party risks repeating the same mistakes. Her insights reflect a belief that authentic communication and a genuine understanding of community concerns are essential for effective political campaigning.
Ultimately, Figaro’s remarks not only criticized the past handling of Harris’s campaign but also called for a reevaluation of how the Democratic Party approaches electoral challenges. She mentioned that until changes in strategy and perspective are implemented, the party faces the likelihood of ongoing failures at the polls. Her frank assessment and insistence on grassroots involvement serve as a rallying cry for reform within the party’s approach to elections and voter engagement.