Published on October 5, 2024, 12:28 am

In the heated race towards the American presidency, Donald Trump and JD Vance, running on the Republic ticket, continue to demonstrate incredible tenacity. Observers suggest they are fighting as though they lag significantly in every poll. On the other hand, Kamala Harris’s strategy seems markedly different and has Democratic strategists somewhat concerned regarding the ramifications of her reserved approach.

While trudging through a neck-to-neck presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris appears to maintain an overly cautious campaign style. This avoidance of interactive campaigning events such as town halls or media interviews denies voters direct insight into who she is—a reality that many Democrats believe contributes to her unexpectedly restrained popularity since her dramatic entry into the contest back in July.

Interestingly, Harris’s questionable approach isn’t because voters lack awareness of her ‘authentic self.’ Instead, it’s because voters do know the uncensored version of Kamala Harris and are finding it hard to accept it. There’s growing concern among political analysts about how well she can connect with voters when her typical candidness feels elusive.

The criticisms have not been without within-party voices. Steve Shurtleff, a former Democratic Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, expresses his frustration over Harris’s non-engaging display. He likens it to having your favorite Hollywood actor rendered speechless on a talk show.

Shurtleff unforgivingly stated that any president should be able to tackle spontaneous questions effectively at all times—an expectation that he doesn’t see being met by Harris due to persistent evasion of one-on-one interviews.

Harris’s tendency toward indirect answers— even when deterred — continues to make headlines, reinforcing Shurtleff’s view that a president should possess keen overt readiness and insights beyond scripted talking points or pre-rehearsed sessions at all times.

Similar warnings were voiced during Joe Biden’s previous campaign when there was worry about him blurting out costly gaffe due to his advanced years. The same set of strategists who worked to obscure Biden are now reportedly in charge of Kamala Harris’s campaign—an operation that variously keeps her out of public spotlight due to perceived incompetence.

This assessment not only affects Harris, but also impacts her running mate, Tim Walz. Their public appearances, despite meticulous planning, appear uninspiring for their supporters and the general electorate. These seem like morose train rides laden with dynamite directed towards unpredictable destinations.

In stark contrast, the Republican candidates Donald Trump and JD Vance have openly fielded all manner of questions from reporters. Whether one subscribes to their policies or strategies, it is evident they never shy away from tough press inquiries and free-wheeling discourse.

As we maintain our focus on real news with a Christian worldview devoted view to creating a trusted news environment, one cannot disregard the critical implications of these opposing campaign strategies on voter sentiments and ultimately on the election outcome. Only time will tell how this dynamic race for leadership will transform and what lessons will emerge from its twists and turns.