What Kamala Harris Needs to Win the Presidency, from a Veteran of Hillary Clinton’s Campaign
Jul 26, 2024
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Jennifer Palmieri, a seasoned Democratic strategist and former communication director for Hillary Clinton and the Obama White House, discusses the unique challenges Kamala Harris faces as a female presidential candidate. Palmieri highlights the need for women to assert their accomplishments amidst societal skepticism. She shares insights on Harris's fundraising success and strategies to navigate identity politics. They also explore the evolving landscape for women in politics, emphasizing the importance of emotional authenticity and shifting perceptions since 2016.
Kamala Harris must actively highlight her accomplishments and combat media biases that misrepresent her capabilities as a leader.
Despite challenges, Harris has unique advantages as a younger candidate in a changing political landscape aiming to unite an anti-Trump coalition.
Deep dives
The Political Dynamics of Biden's Decision
Joe Biden's announcement to leave the presidential race has significant implications for the Democratic Party, particularly for Kamala Harris, who is expected to take the lead. Jennifer Palmieri sheds light on the political maneuvering surrounding this decision, noting that there are misconceptions about Barack Obama's influence on Biden's choice. Despite the common perception, the narrative around Obama urging Biden to exit seems overstated, as Biden's allies, including Nancy Pelosi, played crucial roles in shaping the political landscape. Pelosi's subtle suggestions during interviews indicated an eagerness for Biden to reconsider his position, showcasing her strong connection with the party's establishment.
Challenges and Opportunities for Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris faces both challenges and opportunities as she steps into the spotlight following Biden's withdrawal. Palmieri emphasizes that while Harris's poll numbers have not been stellar, an anti-Trump coalition presents a significant advantage. The energy and relief from the Democratic base at the prospect of having a younger candidate may also play to her favor as she positions herself against Trump. Harris's experience and political acumen, evidenced by her previous roles in public office, may serve as an asset as she builds her campaign narrative.
Navigating Media Bias and Public Perceptions
Media coverage of Kamala Harris has often been fraught with challenges, impacting public perception of her capabilities as a leader. Palmieri notes that skewed narratives, often rooted in underlying biases, can misrepresent Harris's achievements and political acumen. The difficulty in finding a consistent template for a woman leader exacerbates this issue, making it essential for Harris to assert her accomplishments actively. As she campaigns, it is crucial for her team to highlight her legislative track record and combat the incendiary rhetoric surrounding her candidacy.
Building Momentum Against a Tough Opponent
As Harris gears up for a potential showdown against Trump, her campaign strategies must focus on defining her identity and addressing the attacks she may face. The importance of framing herself as a capable and experienced leader is paramount, especially amid derogatory remarks that may surface during the election cycle. Palmieri stresses that Harris should not get bogged down by divisive rhetoric but rather pivot toward effectively contrasting her candidacy with the pitfalls of Trump's presidency. Mobilizing her supporters through an enthusiasm-driven campaign will be crucial in solidifying her position in the upcoming electoral battle.
Kamala Harris will face barriers as a woman running for the Presidency. “Women constantly have to credential themselves,” Jennifer Palmieri, a veteran of Democratic politics who served in the Clinton Administration, says. She was also the director of communications for the Obama White House, and then for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 Presidential campaign. Harris will “need to remind people of what she has done in her career and what she’s done as Vice-President, because people assume that women haven’t accomplished anything.” But Harris also has notable strengths as a candidate, and, having avoided a bruising primary campaign—and having been handed a torch from the incumbent—she has advantages that no other woman running for office has had. For a woman candidate, the world has changed since 2016, Palmieri believes. She shares insights into how Joe Biden was finally persuaded to step out of the race, and explains what she meant by advising women to “nod less and cry more.”
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