Kamala Harris seems poised for a possible return to the political scene!
This candidate, who hasn’t had much luck winning national elections or securing her party’s nomination through democratic means, might be gearing up for a run in 2028. She recently conveyed similar sentiments in a couple of interviews with the BBC.
If Ms. Harris had truly given up on her presidential ambitions, she likely would have issued a straightforward denial by now. It feels like she’s keeping her options open, perhaps planning to step back into the fray. But why? Why would she consider doing this again?
The circumstances that hindered her during the last election cycle hold true today. Kamala Harris is, to put it bluntly, a rather weak Democratic candidate. Her initial presidential campaign in 2019 stumbled right out of the gate. She struggled to connect with essential Democratic voters and withdrew before the primaries picked up steam. Essentially, her position as a candidate in 2024 springs from Joe Biden’s decision to step aside and appoint her, followed by the Democratic elites rallying around her.
In a more favorable system— where a select few wealthy liberal insiders pick the next president— Harris would presumably lead the pack. However, the ultimate decision rests with the American electorate, and they have already indicated their lack of enthusiasm for her candidacy.
Take, for instance, Bernie Sanders, who recently commented on the shortcomings of the Harris campaign, which failed to resonate with working-class individuals:
“You have a choice: align with people like Mark Cuban, a multi-billionaire, or take a stand for the working class. I don’t believe Kamala Harris ran a campaign that addressed those needs.”
In the meantime, Senator Ruben Gallego, a moderate voice within the Democratic Party, appears hesitant to engage directly with Harris for the 2028 campaign. When sharing his opinions on her potential candidacy, he seemed cautious: “I thought she was a solid candidate in 2024. There are many strong contenders for 2028. I think she has potential there as well.”
Most of the Democratic establishment might echo this sentiment, mostly avoiding criticism of weaker ideas. But who exactly is clamoring for Harris, and would be disheartened if she decides not to run?
The reality is that it could benefit the Democrats if someone manages to convince her to rethink her intentions. Her best opportunity to secure the presidency might just come shortly after Biden exits the race, at which point her approval ratings could rise significantly, surpassing even Biden’s. However, as she campaigns, the more her positions become apparent— and subsequently, the less appealing she seems to voters.
A key aspect of running for office is being an effective communicator, and Harris has struggled with this. Often, her speeches feel drawn-out and convoluted, such was the case in a recent BBC interview. She attempted to explain her views, but the clarity was lacking:
“There’s a distinct difference between the ability to be president and the ability to campaign. The latter is what I address in my book, and I have concerns about stamina and energy if he were to run against the current administration.”
Is it just me, or is this hard to listen to? She tackled a straightforward concept and elaborated unnecessarily, failing to make a compelling point. Essentially, if Biden isn’t suitable for campaigning, that raises questions about his fitness for the presidency. Campaigning is challenging, but it’s a different ballgame compared to the complexities of holding the office itself, which demands constant, nuanced negotiations.
I urge you to consider my perspective. If influential Democratic figures don’t encourage Ms. Harris to genuinely contemplate whether she’s the right choice to run against J.D. Vance, they might find themselves regretting their decision in 2028.
