Kamala Harris: A Cipher in Search of a Political Identity
Kamala Harris, the current Vice President, has been a figure of much speculation and debate since assuming the role. While her initial ascent in politics was meteoric, culminating in her nomination as Joe Biden’s running mate in 2020, her vice presidency has been marred by a lackluster public perception and a sense of political ambiguity. In a recent profile by Elaina Plott Calabro for The Atlantic, a compelling portrait emerges of a politician struggling to reconcile her past "tough on crime" persona with the evolving demands of the Democratic Party, and subsequently, her own evolving political identity.
Key Takeaways:
- Harris’s communication style: While viewed as an effective communicator in tightly controlled settings like hearings and debates, Harris struggles to connect with broader audiences on larger, more abstract issues, leading to a perception of inauthenticity and a disconnect between her public image and her private persona.
- A clash of identities: Harris’s background as a prosecutor, honed in a "smart on crime" environment, clashes with the Democratic Party’s evolving approach to criminal justice reform in the wake of Black Lives Matter and George Floyd’s murder. This creates an air of incongruity and has led to a perception that she is out of touch with the party’s base.
- Lack of strategic planning: Biden’s administration has failed to develop a cohesive strategy for Harris’s vice presidency, leaving her with a series of high-profile but unwinnable portfolios like immigration and voting rights, further contributing to her underwhelming public image.
- A missed opportunity for a "bridge to the next generation": Biden’s promise of a bridge to the next generation of Democratic leaders initially appeared to be fulfilled with Harris’s selection, reflecting a shift toward a party more fully embracing antiracism and identity politics. However, the momentum behind these issues quickly waned, leaving Harris in a position less aligned with the political landscape than anticipated.
Calabro argues that Harris’s struggle to define herself stems from a fundamental clash between her origins in a "law and order" Democrat-style politics, and the progressive turn the Democratic Party has taken in recent years. She contends that while Harris possesses the experience and skills that could make her a formidable candidate in the current political climate, her inability to confidently articulate a distinct political identity casts a shadow over her potential for future leadership.
A Vice President’s Journey:
Calabro’s profile dives into Harris’s career, tracing her trajectory from district attorney to Attorney General of California and ultimately to the Senate. The article reveals that Harris, while ambitious and driven, has shown a reluctance to engage in public narratives that build a personal connection with voters. Instead, her focus has primarily been on demonstrating her competence and expertise, a strategy that proved successful in her earlier roles but proved inadequate in the national spotlight.
The profile highlights Harris’s struggle to shed the "tough on crime" image that once served her well. Her book "Smart on Crime", while advocating for a more nuanced approach to criminal justice, still resonates with a "tough on crime" sensibility that is increasingly out of step with the Democratic Party’s current ideology.
The Challenges of a Supporting Role:
The article delves into the dynamics of Harris’s relationship with the Biden administration. The author argues that the lack of clarity regarding Harris’s role within the administration has further contributed to her struggles. While initially tasked with Capitol Hill outreach, a role that clashed with her limited experience and failed to leverage her strengths, Harris was then handed portfolios like immigration and voting rights, issues that were both complex and highly fraught politically, offering little opportunity for tangible wins.
A particularly telling anecdote involves Harris’s response to being given the immigration portfolio. While Biden initially saw the assignment as a testament to her abilities, Harris herself felt it was a "completely no-win issue", highlighting the disconnect between the administration’s perception of her capabilities and her own awareness of the complexities and limitations of the role.
The Lester Holt Interview and its Ripple Effects:
The much-discussed Lester Holt interview, in which Harris struggled to answer straightforward questions about her plans to visit the border, is analyzed as a pivotal moment in her public image. The article suggests that this interview, coming at a time when Harris was still relatively unknown to many Americans, amplified her perceived weaknesses, and served as a major catalyst in the hardening of the "she’s not ready for prime time" narrative.
Calabro argues that the administration’s subsequent failure to counter the negative media coverage and promote Harris’s strengths further contributed to the perception of her as a weak candidate. The article presents a rather damning picture of a vice president struggling to navigate internal policy debates, caught in a system that fails to strategically amplify her presence and ultimately hampers her ability to project a unified and coherent political identity.
Harris’s Future:
The article concludes by exploring Harris’s potential for future leadership. While the author acknowledges that Harris has shown a capacity to rise to the occasion in specific contexts, such as debates and focused hearings, she emphasizes the need for Harris to develop a stronger and more consistent public persona if she seeks higher office.
The piece ends with a thoughtful analysis of Harris’s potential to prosecute a case against Trump if Biden were to step aside. Calabro suggests that Harris might be well-suited to capitalize on the legal controversies surrounding Trump, but ultimately, her success will hinge on her ability to translate this strength into broader voter engagement and support.
A Complex Portrait:
Elaina Plott Calabro’s profile of Kamala Harris provides a nuanced and thought-provoking look at a politician struggling to define herself in a rapidly evolving political landscape. The article offers important insights into the complexities of navigating a supporting role within a political administration while simultaneously attempting to build a distinct public image. The piece highlights the challenges faced by a figure who, despite possessing many of the skills and qualifications necessary for leadership, finds herself trapped in a cycle of public scrutiny that ultimately hinders her growth and potential.
