Scranton, Pennsylvania recently saw a visit from Kamala Harris supporters, including Joel and his friends from Boston, who are members of the National Association of Government Employees. Despite their efforts to boost support for Harris, they themselves expressed concerns about her campaign. Joel openly admitted that he doesn’t understand why Harris can’t answer questions, a sentiment shared by many.
As a native of Philly who spent years in New York, I took the opportunity to explain my dislike for Boston, a common Northeastern tradition. The group leader, Stanley, tried to rationalize Harris’ struggles by pointing out that she’s only been in the race for a few months. This sentiment was echoed by billionaire Mark Cuban, who highlighted the challenges of running against a former president after just 13 weeks in the race.
The excuses for a potential Harris loss have already begun, with some attributing it to her short time in the race. However, as David Mamet once said, “your excuses are your own.” As I wandered around Scranton, I stumbled upon Biden Street, a reminder of the Democratic nominee who was passed over for Harris. The sirens blaring and flashing lights as cops shut down traffic for Tim Walz’s visit prompted some to question the disruption caused by a Democrat.
Despite the support from individuals like Joel and Stanley, who are organizing as employees to fight for their vision of the future, doubts remain about Harris. Joel expressed dissatisfaction with how Joe Biden was ousted from the race, indicating a personal connection to the issue. It’s clear that American politics is more than just numbers on a poll; it’s a narrative that Harris might be struggling to convey effectively beyond her upbringing.
The key question Harris needs to address is why she should be president, a question that remains unanswered. While there’s still a chance for Harris to secure the presidency, she must find a compelling answer to this fundamental question. It’s evident that her inability to address concerns and connect with voters may be hindering her campaign progress. As the election season continues, Harris will need to overcome these challenges to gain the support needed to secure the presidency.