WhatsappIs a softball interview better than no interview? Of course. But it also reveals what many have been saying for years about Kamala Harris. She really does not have a whole lot to offer, and she certainly has some dangerous opinions that are actually very much socialist in nature.
Donald Trump is a candidate who is both uniquely strong and uniquely weak. He conjures up enormous feelings among hundreds of millions of voters. Many strong supporters of his will travel through a hurricane to vote for him. But there are also millions who are scared out of their minds about a 2nd Trump Presidency. There is good reason to assume that Donald Trump will be even more unhinged in his 2nd term than he was at the end of his 1st. However, his record on so many issues was so impressive that he is smartly running on the basis of his 1st term’s record. ”Make America Great Again” – is about doing it again like he did the 1st time. That is not just arrogant – it is a powerful message.
The Harris-Walz campaign is smartly doing everything to avoid major substantive issues because they just don’t have that much to say about them, and even less to show in the way of accomplishments during the Biden administration. The idea of a super-short election cycle for Kamala Harris to survive suits her abilities perfectly. But the frontal debate will be a major test for her. She is pretty good at putting on a good show, but she has never faced off against a debating beast like Donald Trump.
But Donald Trump must be careful. If he comes off as too patronizing and overly smug, Kamala Harris may be able with a good prepared zinger or two to mobilize masses of women to come out and vote so that they “keep the idiot out of power.” Kamala Harris has the enormous advantage of appearing to be the “change” candidate even though she has little to offer that is truly a change from the Biden administration. But since she is cognitively engaged and the younger candidate, many will see her as the candidate of change in this unique election. That factor is major and may even propel her to victory.
But more than any other factor, it will be some specific slices of the electorate, like the Hispanic vote, or the Black male vote that will dictate the final outcome. If either candidate is able to truly dominate with one or both of these groups, they will probably reach the magic number via wins in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona. Alternatively, if the Arab anti-Israel vote stays home and does not come out to vote for Kamala Harris, Donald Trump will probably win Michigan – which may also tip the scales. It will be an interesting election night.
