HOPE.
{ Nick Lazzaro }
THE LAST FEW WEEKS of this presidential election cycle has been a whirlwind of change, horror, and excitement. This has been an unprecedented summer with the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania, as well as the sudden drop out of President Biden from the 2024 presidential race. However over the last few weeks, despite these major shakeups, attacks, and horror there have been new glimpses of hope that has arisen.
Following President Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race, Vice President Harris swiftly stepped up to the plate. Biden, throwing his political support behind her, as well as the Clinton’s booned her to the top and most likely to stave off any challengers like Governor Whitmer, Shapiro, or Newsom from trying to make their case for the ticket. Harris then secured endorsements from top democrats such as Former President Obama, Speaker Emerita Pelosi as well as surging up Union support from the UAW. Vice President Harris has had a storied career as a prosecutor in California where she served as the DA for San Francisco, Attorney General for California, and became a US Senator. After being tapped by President Biden to be VP, she gained executive experience and has demonstrated with her campaign she is ready for the job today.
Recent rallies in Georgia and Pennsylvania have completely filled up stadiums and have garnered incredible support in crucial swing states that President Biden secured in 2020. In the last week there had also been incredible hype and speculation about who her VP pick would be. After finalists had been named including some great candidates such as Governor Shapiro, Senator Mark Kelly, and Governor Andy Beshear. Governor Walz was the progressive choice and a favorite by moderates. He had a moderate record during his time in Washington, and delivered major victories to Minnesota such as free school lunch for kids, protecting abortion rights, and passing meaningful gun legislation, all on a razor thin majority in the house and senate. Governor Walz has proven he is a formidable candidate to take on JD Vance who has very limited governing experience.
It is crucial that in this election with the recent shakeup that Kamala Harris and Governor Walz ensure they race to define themselves before their political opponents do. Most recently they have run extensive social media campaigns via tik tok and instagram with “coconut summer” which refers to a meme regarding remarks Kamala had made at an education summit describing a funny story about her mother. Kamala Harris has seemed to be able to leverage humor poking fun at herself, similar to the Obama campaign did in 2012 to earn more support from younger voters. This is evident as Gen-z has rallied behind her labeling her as “BRAT” referring to CHARLI XCX’s new album “BRAT” labeling this summer Brat summer after last summer was referred to as “Barbie” summer. Some have argued this has been a way to promote feminism via pop culture to energize young female voters to get out to vote.
After examining this campaign and watching my peers’ reactions, it seems that Vice President Harris’ social media strategy, energy, and charisma is shadowing the hatred, division, and anger that fuels the Trump candidacy. Harris’ strategy is smart in that instead of “going high, when they go low”, she is calling them out and asking President Trump to step up and debate. She has coined the mantra- “if you got something to say, say it to my face”, taking a jab at Trump who prides himself on strength. Harris seems to be the kid in the school yard taking on the bully, head first. She has demonstrated she is not afraid of Donald Trump, and has made an appeal that we should not be afraid, but rather we should unite and win. Because when we fight-
We WIN.
Key takeaways from Kamala Harris’ candidacy have been centered around the momentum she has but basically from nothing. She has been able to distance herself from Biden, scooping up news cycles and dominating headlines for weeks. This is all phenomenal leading up to the DNC convention in Chicago which should be a great opportunity to demonstrate her broad support, boast large crowds, and to mobilize organizers across swing states at record speed. Overall, this campaign is extremely promising, but it is important to remember to NEVER be overconfident and to continue to run like you are 10 points behind.
Hope everyone had a great BRAT summer, make sure you’re registered to vote and do not forget to vote in your primaries!!