So far, the only policy position Vice President Kamala Harris has proposed since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee happens to come from her opponent. She recently announced that she would eliminate taxes on tips for those working in the hospitality industry, a promise former President Donald Trump made shortly before.
Harris has taken arrows from folks on both sides of the aisle not only for her refusal to engage with the press but also for the lack of a policy platform outlined on her website or elsewhere.
Normally, a candidate being this cagey about their policy positions would cause voters to give them the side-eye. But perhaps there is more of a strategy to this than it might appear.
Several high-profile individuals on social media have been questioning the lack of policy from the Harris/Walz campaign now that it has been nearly three weeks since she became the favorite to become the Democratic Party’s new standard-bearer.
Trump is doing another open, unscripted press conference tomorrow…
— Geiger Capital (@Geiger_Capital) August 14, 2024
It’s now been 25 days and Kamala Harris has done no interviews or press conferences since becoming the unelected Democratic nominee.
Literally zero questions. When do we get to hear her ideas and policies? pic.twitter.com/vvanqXegrj
Harris/Biden admin CRACKED DOWN on tips last February.
— Shawn Farash (@Shawn_Farash) August 11, 2024
Kamala Harris has no plans to reduce anyone's taxes on their tips whatsoever.
This is why she has no policies or platform on her website. She's no moderate.
She's a communist. And a fraud. pic.twitter.com/kFH6gMjABx
Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk highlighted Harris’ lack of policy achievements during her tenure as vice president. In a video featuring interviews with Harris supporters, it became apparent that even those who plan to vote for her have no idea what they are voting for.
🚨NEW EXCLUSIVE🚨
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) August 14, 2024
Our team visited with Kamala Harris supporters at her rally in Phoenix and asked them to list some of Kamala’s accomplishments.
Their answers are pure gold.
🦗🦗@fromkalen @FrontlinesTPUSA pic.twitter.com/3Py5gXi6KV
Of course, being my snarky self, I also chimed in on the matter in a way that will lead me to my first point.
BREAKING: Kamala Harris finally lists her policies on her website. pic.twitter.com/FaIkgcl5pb
— Jeff Charles, Doni's St. Bernard🏴 (@jeffcharlesjr) August 5, 2024
It is entirely possible that the Harris campaign, in large part, is banking on Trump hate to push their candidates into the White House. Indeed, much of President Joe Biden’s campaign was predicated on his not being Trump.
Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, have been trying to run a positive campaign, focusing more on inspiration and less on attacking their opponents. The theme of the campaign appears to be encapsulated in two words, “Joyful” and “happy.”
This isn’t to say that Harris’ team has not engaged in mudslinging, but it seems clear they seek to keep this to a minimum. It’s a strategy somewhat reminiscent of former President Barack Obama’s campaign – focusing more on rousing speeches than throwing punches. The “I’m Not Trump” strategy appears to be in full effect – largely because Harris does not have any accomplishments to speak of. In other words, Harris really doesn’t have another choice when it comes to appealing to voters.
There could also be another element to the “no policy” gambit. Harris refusing to outline a policy platform gives the right less to attack. There initially appeared to be indications that she would try to veer more toward the center, away from her radical stances of the 2020 primary campaign. However, postponing the policy discussion for as long as possible could be in her best interests as she endeavors to project an optimistic image to the public.
As stated earlier, this strategy won’t work forever. At some point, Harris is going to have to tell voters what she plans to do if she wins the election. The air of mystery will soon become stale as the desire to know what Harris wants to do grows more urgent. This is especially true as a possible debate with Trump looms ever so much closer.
But, for right now, the honeymoon phase is shielding her from much of the scrutiny she will face in the months ahead. The strategy could work. But if this is the campaign’s only tactic, it could easily backfire on election day.
