Kamala Harris' Shadow Presidency, and Which "White Dude" Harris Will Pick as VP, with Ben Shapiro, Tara Palmeri, and Shelby Talcott | Ep. 850
Jul 29, 2024
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Joining the discussion are Ben Shapiro, a conservative commentator renowned for his incisive views, Tara Palmeri, a seasoned political correspondent, and Shelby Talcott, a campaign expert. They navigate Kamala Harris's rise in the political landscape, dissecting her controversial appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race and its implications. The group explores potential VP picks for Harris, analyzes polling dynamics, and considers the pressure surrounding Biden's leadership, raising questions about his future and the shifting tides within the Democratic Party.
Kamala Harris's recent rise in visibility is heavily influenced by positive media narratives attempting to reshape her image for the 2024 election.
Polls show a significant increase in voter enthusiasm for Harris, indicating a competitive race against Trump that may reshape Democratic strategies.
Critics express skepticism about Harris's ability to handle tough scrutiny in debates, highlighting concerns over her past political challenges and media support.
The implications of Harris's candidacy raise questions about identity politics and the potential impact of her VP pick on broader voter appeal.
Deep dives
Kamala Harris's Rising Profile
Kamala Harris's recent rise in political visibility has been significantly influenced by positive media coverage positioning her as a major contender for the presidency. An example noted was a striking 'Camelot' cover from New York Magazine featuring her alongside various celebrated figures, suggesting a narrative of reinvention aimed at minimizing past criticisms of her leadership. This effort to spotlight Harris is seen as a strategic move to divert attention away from the Biden administration's failures as she seeks to solidify her candidacy for the 2024 election. Despite the media's attempts to create a positive image, questions remain regarding how long this enthusiasm can be sustained, especially without addressing her past political challenges and the current issues facing the administration.
Polls Show Enthusiasm Shift
Recent polls reveal a notable shift in voter enthusiasm, with Harris now seen as a formidable candidate against Trump. For instance, a Wall Street Journal poll indicates a tightening race where Harris is within two points of Trump, a drastic change from Biden's previous six-point lead. Even more striking is the level of enthusiasm among Harris's supporters, with 81% expressing excitement about her candidacy compared to only 37% for Biden. This change signals a possible resurgence for the Democratic ticket as Harris gains traction in critical battleground states, particularly among diverse voter demographics.
Media's Role in Shaping Perception
The media's role in shaping voters' perceptions of Kamala Harris has been pivotal as they attempt to highlight her strengths while downplaying criticisms. Analysts suggest that the current fascination with her is akin to a 'sugar high' following Biden's withdrawal, removing the negative sentiments typically associated with his administration. This media strategy not only emphasizes Harris's new narrative but also raises questions about whether voters will maintain their enthusiasm as the campaign progresses. Critics warn that the effectiveness of this reinvention hinges on whether Harris can dodge hard questions and maintain favorable coverage while preparing for the unfolding election battle.
The Debate Over Effective Leadership
Discussions about potential debates and interview challenges for Harris highlight concerns regarding her readiness to face tough questions about her record. Some strategists express skepticism over how well Harris will withstand scrutiny should tough questions about her policies arise during the campaign. The narrative surrounding her suggests a need for a strong performance, as national campaigns tend to expose weaknesses in candidates who initially present well but lack substance. Critics argue that without significant pushback or tough questioning, Harris may benefit from a seemingly positive image, but facing scrutiny could reveal the vulnerabilities that the Democrats currently seek to conceal.
Trump vs. Harris: A Tight Contest
The dynamics of the current race suggest a close contest between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, shaped by the contrasting images of both candidates. While Harris works to redefine herself as a progressive leader for various demographics, Trump's established base presents a formidable challenge that cannot be underestimated. Polling shows many states where Harris is competing hard, indicating that the competition is tightening and highlighting Trump's historical pull among voters. As the election date approaches, both campaigns need to focus intensely on their messaging to sway undecided voters and maintain their respective bases.
Diverse Support and Identity Politics
Harris's campaign has sparked conversations around identity politics and whether her potential running mate can consolidate diverse support essential for a victorious campaign. Speculation includes various political figures such as Josh Shapiro and others who may broaden her appeal in swing states. Observers note that while identity representation in candidates may energize certain voter bases, it remains uncertain how this will translate into actual voter turnout. The challenge lies in appealing to broader constituencies while negotiating the complexities of identity in America’s political landscape.
Future Implications of Party Dynamics
The shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party and its reaction to Kamala Harris's candidacy could have significant implications for future elections. The apparent eagerness to back Harris, combined with the efforts to shape favorable public sentiment, reflects broader trends in party strategy and the risks affiliated with it. Observers caution that an overly optimistic approach may neglect underlying issues and past controversies that could later resurface. As the election cycle progresses, how the Democrats navigate identity, representation, and the actual policies they champion will be crucial in maintaining voter engagement and enthusiasm.
Megyn Kelly is joined by The Daily Wire's Ben Shapiro, host of The Ben Shapiro Show, to discuss Democrats and out of touch celebrities trying to promote and rebrand Kamala Harris, the "vibe shift" among the left, how Trump and the GOP can counter the messaging, the embarrassing "white women" Zoom call for Harris, the upside and downside of JD Vance as Trump's VP pick, if you should have picked someone like Glenn Youngkin, the media war against Vance, the talking point from the left and media that "JD Vance is weird,” how nothing can compare to Kamala Harris and her weird affect, her appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race and the misogynistic and disgusting content they've aired, Harris already talking and acting like she's the president, questions about what Biden is doing now, and more. Then Puck News' Tara Palmeri, host of "Somebody's Gotta Win," and Semafor political correspondent Shelby Talcott join to discuss the latest polling for Harris and Trump, the enthusiasm increase for Harris and whether it will last, how Trump is traditionally under-polled, which "white dude" Harris will pick as her VP, the appeal Josh Shapiro has, whether the VP pick actually matters, explosive reporting that Obama may have called Biden threatening to invoke 25th Amendment if he didn’t step down, how involved Pelosi was in the pressure campaign, and more.
