Summary
The topic of “Political Establishment vs. Change” revolves around the tension between traditional political structures and the demand for new leadership that reflects evolving societal values and priorities. This dynamic is particularly relevant in the context of the 2024 presidential election, where candidates like Kamala Harris, who emerged from the established Democratic Party framework, faced challenges from voters seeking transformative change in governance and policy.
In recent elections, the Democratic Party’s approach to candidate selection has come under scrutiny, especially when it appears to sideline grassroots democratic processes. Harris’s nomination without a competitive primary process raised concerns about her ability to connect with voters seeking change, as her candidacy is perceived as an extension of the Biden administration’s policies. Many voters, particularly younger and progressive demographics, expressed dissatisfaction with the Democratic establishment’s handling of critical issues such as foreign policy, economic inequality, and civil rights. This dissatisfaction has been articulated by various commentators who argue that the party’s failure to address these concerns could lead to a loss of essential voter bases, including Black, Latino, and young voters.
The Role of the Establishment
The political establishment often represents continuity and stability, which can be appealing in times of crisis. However, this stability can also lead to stagnation and disillusionment among voters who feel their needs are not being met. For instance, Harris’s support for traditional Democratic policies, including her stance on Israel and Palestine, has alienated some progressive voters who demand a more assertive approach to social justice issues. This was evident in her campaign, where some groups organized against her, insisting on a shift in policy before they would support her candidacy.
The Call for Change
Conversely, the push for change emphasizes a desire for leaders who can break away from conventional political norms and address systemic issues head-on. This call for change has been echoed by various activist groups and progressive voters who demand that candidates not only acknowledge but actively work to rectify longstanding injustices. For example, the No Ceasefire No Vote campaign reflects a broader sentiment among pro-Palestinian activists who are unwilling to support candidates who do not align with their vision for a more equitable foreign policy.
The Consequences of Inaction
The reluctance of the Democratic establishment to embrace a more radical change has had tangible consequences. Harris’s inability to distinguish herself from Biden’s presidency during her campaign may have contributed to her struggles in key battleground states, where voters expressed a desire for new ideas and leadership. As the election unfolded, it became clear that many voters were looking for candidates who could articulate a vision for the future rather than merely defending the status quo. This disconnect between the establishment and the electorate’s desire for change suggests that political parties must adapt to the evolving political landscape or risk losing critical support in future elections.
Vice presidents often run for president. Making it there has been a leap
Nov. 5 / Npr / Explores the historical context of vice presidents running for president, offering valuable insights into Harris's unique situation. However, it could delve deeper into current political dynamics affecting her candidacy. “ Kamala Harris joins a list of vice presidents who have set their sights on the presidency. But making it to the highest position in the government has been a...
This wretched campaign is over. Thank goodness. Now what?
Nov. 5 / L.a. Times / Offers a post-election reflection on the campaign's contentious nature, capturing the broader societal implications of the election outcome. The commentary is engaging, though it leans heavily on subjective observations. “ It’s finally over. All but the shouting, vote-counting, finger-pointing, legal wrangling , possible rioting and attempted overthrowing — once more — of our...
How Kamala Harris lost the election: The fatal flaws in a doomed election bid
Nov. 6 / Usa Today / Analyzes Harris's campaign failures, pinpointing her inability to distance herself from Biden's presidency. The critique is sharp and detailed, though it could benefit from a more balanced perspective on her challenges. “ WASHINGTON – When Kamala Harris appeared on ABC’s "The View" last month, it was supposed to be a friendly forum to introduce herself to Americans unfamiliar...
Kamala Harris Was the Establishment in an Anti-Establishment Election
Nov. 7 / The New York Times / Examines the disconnect between Harris and the electorate, asserting that she embodies the establishment during a time of anti-establishment sentiment. The analysis is astute but could engage more with voter sentiment. “ It was the wrong time to be the defender and champion of the country’s governing establishment.
Why Did Kamala Lose? Blame Joe Biden and the Democratic Party | Opinion
Nov. 7 / Newsweek / Offers a post-election reflection, attributing Harris's loss to her ties with Biden and the Democratic Party's failure to hold a competitive primary. The perspective is insightful but may oversimplify complex voter sentiments. “ The election is over. Vice President Kamala Harris lost and former President Donald Trump won. How did this happen? People are going to point fingers. Harris...
The life and times of Kamala Harris
Oct. 12 / The Week / Provides a comprehensive overview of Harris's career and political rise, contextualizing her candidacy within her past experiences. It’s well-structured and informative but could explore more on current voter sentiments. “ On paper, Kamala Harris is a solid choice, arguably better qualified than any incoming president since George H.W. Bush. She has been both attorney general...
Can Kamala Harris Overcome the VP Curse? | Opinion
Oct. 9 / Newsweek / Explores the historical challenges vice presidents face when running for president, contextualizing Harris's candidacy within this framework. It provides valuable historical insights but lacks deeper engagement with current political dynamics. “ Vice presidents get a bum rap and sometimes the bum's rush. Thomas Marshall, Woodrow Wilson's VP, quipped, "Once there were two brothers. One ran away to...
78 days: Kamala Harris has yet to do formal press conference since emerging as Democratic nominee
Oct. 7 / Fox News / Highlights Harris's absence from formal press conferences, illustrating a significant gap in her media strategy that could hinder voter connection. The critique is pointed but may lack broader context on her campaign's challenges. “ ‘The Five’ co-hosts discuss Vice President Kamala Harris’ media strategy heading into November. Vice President Kamala Harris has gone 78 days as the...
77 days: Kamala Harris has yet to do formal press conference since emerging as Democratic nominee
Oct. 6 / Fox News / Focuses on the challenges of the election cycle, presenting a mix of humor and seriousness. It captures the chaotic atmosphere of the election but could delve deeper into the implications for future politics. “ ‘The Five’ co-hosts discuss Vice President Kamala Harris’ media strategy heading into November. Vice President Kamala Harris has gone 77 days as the...
76 days: Kamala Harris has yet to do formal press conference since emerging as Democratic nominee
Oct. 5 / Fox News / Examines Harris's media strategy and lack of formal press conferences, effectively showcasing the contrast with Trump. However, it could provide more context on how this affects her overall campaign messaging. “ ‘The Five’ co-hosts discuss Vice President Kamala Harris’ media strategy heading into November. Vice President Kamala Harris has gone 76 days as the...
Ex-Obama adviser David Axelrod ‘perplexed’ at Tim Walz dodging TV interviews: ‘It’s bewildering’
Oct. 2 / New York Post / Highlights David Axelrod's critique of Tim Walz's media avoidance, raising concerns about campaign visibility. It effectively underscores the importance of media engagement in political strategy but lacks broader context on Harris's campaign. “ Former Obama adviser David Axelrod called out Kamala Harris’ vice presidential pick Tim Walz for dodging TV interviews, adding that he was “perplexed” as it...
74 days: Kamala Harris has yet to do formal press conference since emerging as Democratic nominee
Oct. 3 / Fox News / Focuses on Harris's absence from formal press conferences, emphasizing her media strategy's shortcomings. This analysis is timely and relevant but could benefit from exploring the implications for voter perceptions. “ ‘The Five’ co-hosts discuss Vice President Kamala Harris’ media strategy heading into November. Vice President Kamala Harris has gone 74 days as the...
75 days: Kamala Harris has yet to do formal press conference since emerging as Democratic nominee
Oct. 4 / Fox News / Critiques Harris's media strategy, particularly her lack of formal press conferences, suggesting it undermines her accountability. The focus on contrasting media engagement with Trump is relevant but somewhat repetitive. “ ‘The Five’ co-hosts discuss Vice President Kamala Harris’ media strategy heading into November. Vice President Kamala Harris has gone 75 days as the...
2024 election has shades of Orwell’s ‘1984’ | GUEST COMMENTARY
Oct. 4 / Baltimore Sun / Explores the theme of memory holes in political narratives, particularly regarding Harris's evolving positions. The Orwellian comparison is intriguing, though it may come off as conspiratorial to some readers. “ Memory holes are, alas, familiar to us all. There in the grocery store we encounter a familiar face; what is her name? Where are those car keys? These...
72 days: Kamala Harris has yet to do formal press conference since emerging as Democratic nominee
Oct. 1 / Fox News / Continues to highlight Harris's absence from press conferences, reiterating concerns about her media approach. While it raises valid points, it lacks depth on how this affects her voter connection. “ ‘The Five’ co-hosts discuss Vice President Kamala Harris’ media strategy heading into November. Vice President Kamala Harris has gone 72 days as the...