How Long Can Kamala Pretend She Doesn’t Have a Record?

Author

Bubba
11 Sep

Are Americans getting a clearer picture of what Kamala Harris stands for? And, more importantly, are they not liking what they’re seeing? (CNN)

The latest: In a 2019 ACLU questionnaire, Harris expressed support for a number of left-wing positions, according to new reporting from CNN’s Andrew Kaczynski.

  • Gender: Harris backed taxpayer-funded gender transition surgeries for detained immigrants and federal prisoners, calling such treatment a medical necessity.

  • Decriminalization: Harris supported the decriminalization of all drugs for personal use, emphasizing addiction should be treated as a public health issue instead of a criminal offense.

  • Immigration: Harris advocated for significant cuts to ICE funding, ending the use of immigration detention facilities and halting the expansion of detention centers.

Context: Harris has faced backlash for walking back some of her more progressive views, a move widely seen as an attempt to tack to the center to win over voters.

  • Responding last month to her shifting positions, Harris told CNN’s Dana Bash, “I think the most important and most significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is my values have not changed.”

Big picture: In a stark contrast to Donald Trump, Harris has severely limited her exposure to the media and ridden a wave of Democratic/media enthusiasm to climbing poll numbers.

  • But Harris’ momentum has stalled out as of late.

  • Meanwhile, 48% of undecided voters say they need to learn more about Harris (only 18% say the same about Trump), suggesting she’s much less defined than her opponent.

Bubba’s Two Cents

A major assumption made by Kamala’s campaign seemed to be that her undefined status as a candidate was a strength. Not having to go through a primary meant she wouldn’t have to adopt more lefty positions that might win over the Democratic base, but would turn off voters in a general election. The less people knew about her policy positions, the more the campaign could focus on “joy” and the mere fact that she’s not Trump. But has that strategy run its course?