Kamala Harris's 2024 presidential campaign was marked by tumultuous events and strategic gambles, leading to her decisive defeat against rival Donald Trump.
On the eve of her loss, retiring President Joe Biden expressed confidence in Harris's potential candidacy for the future. "I think she’s competent to run again in four years. That will be a decision for her to make," Biden stated, underscoring his support for her, even as Harris struggled to gain traction. Despite Biden’s backing, Harris faced steep challenges, as evidenced by her Electoral College performance—her campaign recorded the fewest votes for a Democratic candidate since Michael Dukakis.
Public sentiment around Harris's campaign was mixed, as seen through the lens of commentator Geraldo Rivera. Rivera acknowledged Harris as a history-making candidate but criticized aspects of her campaign, stating, "Don’t blame me; I voted for Kamala Harris, who ran a pretty good campaign under tough circumstances." This commentary encapsulated the struggle Harris faced against the formidable Trump, whom Rivera noted was "in a league of his own" and was perceived as playing to voters’ fears effectively.
Harris's efforts to energize her campaign included significant events, most famously, her rally wherein pop icon Beyoncé was expected to perform. Notably, the rally focused on Texas's stringent anti-abortion laws, aiming to demonstrate how Trump's policies could harm voters at home. Despite the star power, insiders revealed, "The plan changed like 20 times..." indicating disorganization may have plagued the event.
The most pivotal miscalculation, according to insiders and political analysts, was Harris's attempts to meet with influential podcaster Joe Rogan. Facing criticism for not securing his endorsement, it was revealed her campaign shifted strategies to position her for an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience—this was particularly targeted at courting male voters. The campaign rescheduled to hold rallies under the guise of highlighting the anti-abortion effects of Trump’s policies, with the hope of meeting Rogan during her Texas visit.
Unfortunately, timing was against the Harris campaign. On the predetermined day of her Houston rally, Donald Trump was instead the chosen guest for Rogan’s podcast, resulting in lost visibility for Harris. According to authors Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, "Mutual friends Elon Musk and Dana White had convinced Trump and Rogan to bury their dispute," effectively leaving Harris without the male demographic gain she sought.
Despite the setbacks, the rally was held, and Harris made her speeches, targeting fears surrounding Trump’s governance. Nevertheless, Trump's interview became viral, dazzling many with his showmanship. Harris's failure to engage with Rogan left her campaign at yet another disadvantage, failing to leverage Rogan's substantial audience of young, predominantly male listeners.
Rogan’s ultimate endorsement of Trump on the eve of the election highlighted the losses for the Harris team. This endorsement came after earlier statements from Rogan labeling Trump as harmful to democracy, showcasing the unpredictable nature of political alliances and endorsements.
Looking back on Harris's campaign, the Democratic Party faces reflection on its leadership and strategies. Biden's remarks on her competence signal both confidence and the uncertainty of her political future. The Democrats will likely reconsider their approach to future elections, weighing the cultural dynamics and messaging of their candidates. Meanwhile, Biden maintains hopes for Harris, envisioning her perhaps taking another shot at presidential aspirations, as he stated, "It was the greatest honor of my life to be President... I was confident she could win."
Harris's campaign, fraught with challenges yet filled with moments of promise, leaves questions as to her future political legacy and the Democratic Party's strategic footing heading toward upcoming elections.