Kamala Harris' Campaign Strategy Faces Criticism For Lack of Policy Substance

A New Republic article criticizes Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign for playing it too "safe" by not discussing her policies. The author argues that this approach is not working and has made Harris appear like an empty suit.

Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign has come under fire from a progressive outlet for playing it too "safe" with its policy proposals. In an article published Tuesday, New Republic senior editor Alex Shephard argues that Harris' strategy of lying low and letting the media propel her campaign on good "vibes" is no longer working.

Shephard begins the article by noting that the good vibes that accompanied Harris' replacement of Biden at the top of the Democratic presidential ticket have gone. Citing a recent New York Times poll showing Trump's "slim lead over Harris nationally" and their "dead heat" in swing states, he argues that the momentum that had sustained Harris since Biden withdrew from the race has clearly dissipated.

Kamala Harris' Campaign Strategy Faces Criticism For Lack of Policy Substance

Multiple outlets have reported on just how close the race is between Harris and former President Trump. CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten stated last week that it's the closest election in a "generation" and noted that if Trump were to outperform polling by only a single point, he'd win.

Shephard goes on to rebuke Harris' strategy, saying that the ever-tightening polls reveal "failure" on the part of her team.

Kamala Harris' Campaign Strategy Faces Criticism For Lack of Policy Substance

"This was always going to be a very close election, even after Harris replaced Biden. But the tightening of the polls over the past week points to a failure in Harris's campaign," he writes. "She had nearly two months to show voters who she is and what she stands for. Instead, she has played it safe, hoping to maintain the positive vibes and momentum of the summer by deliberately not staking out positions on controversial policies."

"It's now clear that that approach is no longer working," he adds.

Kamala Harris' Campaign Strategy Faces Criticism For Lack of Policy Substance

Shephard argues that Harris' strategy of avoiding controversy has backfired because people don't know what she stands for. Her minimal policy points, he says, "then get nitpicked to death."

"Her price-gouging solution was roundly criticized by economists across the political spectrum, while her tip policy has come under fire because it was first taken up by Trump," he writes.

Towards the end of his piece, Shephard advises Harris to "step out of Biden's shadow" during the debate Tuesday night and demonstrate "a positive agenda."

"The polls are clear: The summer honeymoon is over. This debate will likely be Harris's best opportunity to shift the polls back in her favor—and to define herself to the millions of voters who are on the fence about her. But it will also require her to take uncomfortable, even controversial positions," he concludes.

"She can no longer expect to keep reaping political rewards without taking any risks."