Vice President Kamala Harris is facing a decline in the polls, and her communication strategies are being questioned. The attempts to label JD Vance and Donald Trump as “weird” did not resonate with voters, especially when considering the behavior of other candidates like Tim Walz and Doug Emhoff. Additionally, the claim that Trump was “exhausted” and “confused” fell flat, as voters are aware of Harris’ own work habits.
Harris has also made questionable statements about President Biden, praising him as “authoritative” and “bold,” despite concerns about his physical and mental state. Furthermore, her recent attacks on Trump as a “fascist” and “dictator” have not helped her campaign gain traction.
When comparing the records of the Trump administration from 2017-2020 to the Biden-Harris administration from 2021-2024, voters see stark differences. Trump’s administration is remembered for achievements in border security, peace in the Middle East, and a strong economy. On the other hand, the Biden-Harris administration has faced criticism for its handling of the border crisis and inflation.
Harris has shifted her positions on several key issues, aligning more closely with Trump’s stances to appeal to voters. However, some Democrat senators in swing states are distancing themselves from Harris and her unpopular record.
The attempts to paint Trump as a fascist and insurrectionist are not resonating with voters, especially given the violent protests that occurred during the Obama and Biden-Harris administrations. The comparison of Trump’s actions to those of Biden, including alleged corruption and abuses of power, raises questions about who is truly unfit for office.
Ultimately, the election will come down to which candidate’s record and agenda appeal most to voters. Authenticity and genuineness will also play a role in voters’ decisions. As the campaign continues, it will be interesting to see how Harris adjusts her communication strategies to connect with voters.
Victor Davis Hanson, a distinguished fellow at the Center for American Greatness and a historian at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, provides valuable insights into the current political landscape. Contact him at authorvdh@gmail.com for further analysis and commentary on the upcoming election.