Kamala Harris' Presidential Hopes Dim as Her Momentum Fades

A recent ABC/Ipsos poll revealed that Vice President Kamala Harris is leading former President Donald Trump by 4 points nationally, but experts caution that this margin may not be indicative of Harris' true standing. This is because her momentum has been waning since August, and many voters remain uncertain about her policies and qualifications.

In the realm of politics, polling serves as a valuable tool, albeit a somewhat imprecise and gradual one. This past weekend, Democrats derived solace from an ABC/Ipsos poll indicating that Kamala Harris holds a 4-point lead over Donald Trump on a national level. However, it is crucial to note that the significance of this poll lies not in the magnitude of the margin, as another poll conducted by Rasmussen shows Trump leading by 2 points. The true indicator resides in the fact that this same ABC poll conducted on August 13th also exhibited Harris leading by 4 points. In other words, Harris' momentum has not only waned but has done so for some time.

Kamala Harris' Presidential Hopes Dim as Her Momentum Fades

I initially detected the gradual deflation of Harris' campaign over a fortnight ago in the heart of San Francisco, a location where one might anticipate her to be revered as a local heroine. Surprisingly, a growing number of individuals I encountered expressed doubts about her core beliefs and presidential capabilities.

The viral videos circulating online, even from the Democratic National Convention, depict delegates struggling to articulate Harris' signature policies. When asked, they appear lost, conveying a sense of uncertainty as if they were tasked with translating an archaic Greek term. This expression has become increasingly prevalent, with individuals in both red and blue states, across suburbs, cities, and small towns, expressing uncertainty regarding Harris' platform. Even those committed to voting for her acknowledge that their decision resembles purchasing a political lottery ticket, unsure of what they might receive in return.

Kamala Harris' Presidential Hopes Dim as Her Momentum Fades

It is worth noting that from the moment Nancy Pelosi unceremoniously pushed President Joe Biden off the stage until the Democrats convened in Chicago, Harris experienced a surge in momentum and positive vibes. Her poll numbers were on the rise. I witnessed this firsthand, particularly among Democrats who had been enveloped by a sense of pessimism surrounding "Grandpa Joe." However, as with any trend, the momentum surrounding Harris' campaign has begun to dissipate.

In fact, shortly after Trump survived an assassination attempt, Republicans harbored unwavering conviction that the image of a bloodied yet defiant Trump had already secured their victory in the upcoming election. However, this optimism proved to be premature.

Kamala Harris' Presidential Hopes Dim as Her Momentum Fades

So, what has caused the wheels to fall off of Harris' campaign just as it appeared to be gaining traction? Several missteps have contributed to this decline, including her peculiar and obstinate refusal to engage in interviews or answer questions. This is where the slow-paced nature of polling presents a challenge. For two weeks, the liberal media disseminated the narrative that Harris was not obligated to grant interviews because she was experiencing a surge in popularity. However, the reality proved otherwise.

And during that period, nearly every voter I interacted with expressed the view that Harris needed to start addressing questions directly. Today, it appears that the damage control efforts, such as the interview she and Governor Tim Walz participated in on CNN last week, have come too late.

A more significant and interconnected issue for Harris is her lack of political experience. A candidate with political acumen can effortlessly conduct multiple interviews per day, thriving on unscripted moments that can be exploited to their advantage. Harris lacks these abilities altogether, and she had never had to develop them. No candidate devoid of political instincts and top-notch strategic thinking can emerge victorious in a competitive presidential primary, as they are inevitably outmaneuvered by more skilled opponents. The absence of this experience is now becoming evident in Harris' campaign.

As autumn approaches, we find ourselves in a similar predicament as before Joe Biden's incapacity became undeniably apparent. The race remains a toss-up, the electorate remains deeply divided, and we are essentially entering the final stretch with the outcome uncertain.

For Donald Trump and JD Vance, who have effectively neutralized the short-lived Harris surge, this means continuing their strategy of maintaining a high public profile. Their appearances at events such as the grand opening of a Dairy Queen would not come as a surprise.

Harris and Walz, on the other hand, require a significant course correction. Harris discussing her collard greens recipe and Walz indulging in pork chops on a stick at a state fair will not suffice. American voters have numerous questions and expect answers. The question remains whether these untested Democratic candidates possess the necessary depth of knowledge to provide them.