Kamala Harris Faces Three Major Challenges: Biden’s Influence, Trump’s Insults, and Interview Troubles | US News

September 9, 2024 TruthUSA

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are facing intense scrutiny in the final two months of the US election campaign.

Since Ms Harris became the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee following Joe Biden’s announcement that he would not seek re-election, she has experienced a rapid rise in polling.

However, momentum can shift quickly in an election campaign, and both candidates face ongoing issues that could be crucial during their first debate on Tuesday.

In a recent survey by the New York Times and Siena College, the former president holds a one-point lead over the vice president, with 48% to 47% respectively.

With only weeks left until the American election, here are three key challenges for the Democratic nominee…

‘Comrade Kamala’

Republicans are portraying Kamala Harris as a California liberal of the far left, a “radical left lunatic” as Donald Trump describes her.

They highlight her shifts on key policy areas and argue that it reveals an extreme left agenda, raising concerns about authenticity and trust.

During her bid for the Democratic nomination in 2020, Harris took more left-leaning positions to appeal to the party’s progressive base. However, her stance has evolved with her political rise.

As vice president, she has adjusted her positions to align more closely with the current administration and has modified her stance on several issues.

While she previously supported policies like banning fracking, eliminating private health insurance, and decriminalizing illegal border crossings, Harris has shifted her positions. She explained this shift as gaining a fresh perspective during her tenure as VP, while critics argue she prioritized convenience over conviction to appeal to moderate voters.

Biden’s Shadow

One of the reasons Joe Biden faced challenges in the polls was due to his age and record.

Despite improvements in GDP, unemployment, and inflation, Biden struggles with economic indicators that impact everyday Americans, such as rising prices at the pumps and in stores, leaving them feeling financially strained compared to four years ago.

While inflation may be decreasing, the cost of living remains about 20% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Biden’s attempts to sell his economic achievements have not resonated with voters.

To distance herself from economic concerns, Harris has proposed measures to reduce costs and is framing a populist narrative that portrays big businesses and landlords as the sources of financial difficulties.

While Biden focuses on broader economic achievements, Harris aims to connect with voters on a more personal level and address their economic anxieties.

This strategy is crucial for her as a CNBC survey found that 40% of voters believe they would fare better financially under a Trump presidency compared to 21% under Harris.

Opponents argue that Harris, as a key member of the current administration, shares responsibility for the public’s economic struggles. They assert that she will have to answer for the Biden administration’s overall performance on issues like Afghanistan and the Israel/Hamas conflict.

Interview problems

Kamala Harris excels at public speaking.

She has demonstrated confidence and charisma at the Democratic National Convention and rallies nationwide, energizing her supporters. However, questions remain about her performance in more challenging settings, which is critical in a country where style plays a significant role in politics.

An interview with NBC’s Lester Holt from 2021 resurfaces occasionally, casting doubt on her ability to handle tough questions. In this interview, she faced criticism for her response regarding a visit to the US southern border:

Harris: “We’ve been to the border.”
Holt: “You’ve not been to the border?”
Harris: “And I haven’t been to Europe.”

While this incident occurred years ago and Harris has had successful interviews since, it highlights her vulnerability after limited exposure during the campaign.

Since Biden’s exit, Harris has only participated in one TV interview, and it was alongside running mate Tim Walz.