The political action committee EMILY’s List, renowned for its support of female candidates who advocate for abortion rights, is preparing to make an unprecedented investment to enhance the public image of Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming 2024 election. The PAC plans to allocate “tens of millions of dollars” toward defending and reinforcing Harris’ position, a move aimed at countering persistently low approval ratings. This is a clear acknowledgment of Harris’ potential significant role in what is anticipated to be a challenging electoral campaign.
Political Strategy: Utilizing the Specter of a Harris Presidency
Republican presidential candidates have already indicated their intention to leverage the fear of a Harris presidency to undermine Joe Biden’s chances of re-election. By raising questions about Biden’s age and ability to hold office, they seek to capitalize on Harris as a perceived threat. A senior Republican strategist candidly stated, “A President Harris would be even worse than a President Biden because she campaigned as a progressive fighter and had to moderate herself when she became Biden’s running mate. And to be completely frank, she’s smart. She’s an accomplished prosecutor. She was a United States senator. And she does have the resume to match.”
EMILY’s List: Reminding Voters of Harris’ Political Journey
Laphonza Butler, the president of EMILY’s List, conveyed their intention not to redefine Kamala Harris but to “remind” voters of the politician who initially captured attention as a freshman Senator and subsequently had the ability to run for president. The organization aims to highlight Harris’ accomplishments and counter the substantial misinformation and disinformation directed towards her since taking office. Although the exact expenditure plan is still being developed, Butler confirmed that tens of millions of dollars would be dedicated to the cause. Various platforms will be targeted to reach specific voter demographics, recognizing that different age groups consume and disseminate information differently. YouTube and TikTok, for instance, are popular among some demographics, while others rely more on interpersonal connections.
Defining Harris and Overcoming Challenges
There is a prevailing belief among Democrats that a more effective job needs to be done in defining Vice President Harris, particularly in light of her occasional missteps and critical media coverage. Harris’ aides and allies have expressed frustration over a perceived lack of robust defense from the White House and fellow Democrats during challenging moments of her vice presidency. One Harris ally explained, “The White House team themselves didn’t fully understand early on the differences that when you have a woman in this role, it has to look different. You have to do it differently. You can’t just do it the way you would with a white man, because again, people have never seen it before.” Despite Ron Klain’s commendable defense as former chief of staff, his departure raised concerns about a potential vacuum. However, the recent appointment of Jeff Zients as chief of staff and Ben LaBolt as communications director has resulted in a more coordinated effort to defend the vice president. LaBolt emphasized the need to be proactive and reactive, countering misinformation and preventing unchecked lies from permeating public discourse and belief.
Kamala Harris on the Campaign Trail and Evolving Approach
As the 2024 campaign unfolds, Kamala Harris finds herself in a more prominent position. Her elevated role has compelled those within Biden’s sphere to address insinuations and doubts about her capabilities. Harris has taken on the role with confidence, engaging in numerous fundraisers and delivering impactful speeches. Behind the scenes, her staff working diligently to encourage a more spontaneous and less scripted approach, resulting in Harris speaking off the cuff rather than relying solely on prewritten remarks or notes. This change has garnered positive responses from audiences. Notable instances include her poignant speech following a tour of a slave castle in Ghana, impassioned remarks in Tennessee after two legislators were expelled for supporting gun control, and an abortion speech at Howard University delivered without a teleprompter or notes. These instances serve as evidence of Harris’ revised approach and her reputation as a resilient and assertive leader.
EMILY’s List’s investment in bolstering Kamala Harris’ public standing signals a strategic move to solidify her position in the face of tough opposition and to ensure her message resonates with voters. The significant financial commitment and comprehensive approach to reach diverse demographics reflect the recognition of Harris’ potential to shape the future political landscape.
