Criticism surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris's political career has heated up recently, drawing significant attention from both political commentators and public figures. The scrutiny varies from her performance as a presidential candidate to her current role within the Biden administration. Harris, who made history as the first female Vice President and first woman of South Asian and African American descent to hold the position, now faces some tough questions about her political acumen and effectiveness.
Recently, on CNN, Kevin O'Leary, the millionaire investor and television personality known for his role on Shark Tank, launched blistering critiques at Harris. He labeled her as "a broken candidate," emphasizing her inability to articulate her policies clearly during her unsuccessful bid for the presidency. During a discussion on CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip, O'Leary strongly criticized how the Democratic Party positioned Harris as the candidate without going through proper primaries. He sharply stated, "They made an excuse of $317 million in the kitty. They kept the same campaign manager and said we will anoint this faulted, broken candidate who was inconsequential in her vice presidency." O'Leary’s remarks reflect growing concerns about Harris's viability not only during her campaign but also as she continues to serve as Vice President.
O'Leary's critique didn't stop there. He described Harris as having "no compassion for people and her own advocates," mentioning how this factor, combined with her failure to connect with voters, contributed to her downfall. His comments highlight the rising dissatisfaction with her leadership style, as many have remarked on Harris's often-analytical and less-relatable approach toward pressing issues. This sentiment resonates well with critics who have been vocal about her emotional distance from average Americans.
He particularly referenced her appearance on The View, indicating it was symptomatic of her broader communication issues. During this appearance, O'Leary noted, Harris failed to provide clear answers about what she would have done differently from President Biden during the previous four years. This lack of differentiation from Biden not only tied her heavily to his controversial administration but also raised doubts about her independence as a leader. Harris's struggle to assert her identity became clear as she tried to deflect and reframe questions, which ended up leaving many viewers feeling unsatisfied.
Some clips shared online reveal moments during her recent speeches and events where her delivery sparked backlash. Observers on social media have dubbed various segments of her talk as "awkward" and lacking depth. For example, one particularly disjointed video where she attempted to rally support alongside other attendees left many critics shocked, leading to comments like, "Who thought this was a good idea?" showcasing the growing impatience of even her backers.
Critiques are not just limited to her speech delivery or campaign performance; they extend to her overall effectiveness within the Biden administration. Harris was brought on during the campaign to help energize the Democratic base, particularly among women, young voters, and the Black community. Despite the historic nature of her candidacy, Harris has faced significant challenges ever since assuming office. Some observers attribute this to her task management and overall visibility on key issues like immigration and economic policy, with her efforts deemed insufficient compared to her promises.
Another significant aspect of her political career currently under fire is her approach to tough issues. Harris, who has often touted herself as being driven by social justice, has faced criticism for not following through on certain commitments once she took office. This criticism was particularly prevalent during controversial events, such as the border crisis, where many expected her to take charge as the designated border czar. Public sentiment has suggested her responses have been somewhat vague and unconvincing, resulting in many questioning her effectiveness.
O'Leary’s remarks echoed a sentiment shared among critics, asserting, "She was so weak as a candidate, she couldn't even answer [how she would do things differently]. It ricocheted around the world. She was finished." By asserting her fraying candidacy, O'Leary's criticism serves both as commentary and alarm as Democrats look toward the 2024 presidential election. The fear is not just for Harris or Biden; it's about the viability of the Democratic Party as they strive to solidify their base and capture new supporters.
With critics like Kevin O'Leary entering the fray with such harsh evaluations, it poses the question: Can Kamala Harris recover her reputation and political capital before 2024? Or are we witnessing the slow unraveling of her prospects?
