How Kamala Harris Could Have Outperformed Trump by Embracing Biden's Strategies
The Missed Opportunity of the Harris Campaign
Kamala Harris lost the presidency to Donald Trump because she ran an awful campaign. Contrary to received wisdom, this was not because she did not adequately distance herself from President Biden; rather, it was because she did not embrace him sufficiently.
Understanding Voter Concerns
The two dominant issues in the election cut in Trump's favor. Both were grounded in the experiences of most voters (apart from those doing well enough economically so as not to notice). Each of us has purchased something recently for the first time in a couple of years and been astonished at the increase in its price.
- This, coupled with the increase in the price of everyday goods, made us feel overwhelmed economically.
- We want relief. Trump promised us that relief—even if the relief he promised was a mirage.
The Reality of Economic Stagnation
Real wages in the U.S. have been stagnant or decreasing for most workers since the 1970s. This occurred while income inequality has soared, and while the top 1 percent own as much wealth as the bottom 90 percent of the population.
Many of us believe ourselves entitled to the standard of living and social position of our parents and grandparents. While sometimes this sense is tinged with racism, misogyny and/or xenophobia, the underlying dilemma is real.
Joe Biden's Economic Approach
Joe Biden endeavored to address the second problem by creating short-term inflation which, while necessary to ensure the U.S. did not sink into a severe recession, posed challenges for everyday Americans.
Missed Messaging from Harris
Harris could not run from the reality of inflation nor from structural changes in the U.S. economy, but she could have clarified her and Biden's efforts to combat these issues.
- She could have explained what they had done to ameliorate the situation.
- Harris failed to convince voters she had a grasp on their economic realities.
Embracing Biden's economic efforts and clearly explaining that the price of short-term inflation was worth avoiding a severe recession could have swayed enough voters.
Final Thoughts on Campaign Strategy
If Kamala Harris had advocated for programs targeting inequality and framed Biden’s policies as beneficial, she could have successfully countered Trump’s disastrous economic message.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.