When it comes to Kamala Harris and her role in the 2020 presidential elections, the approach on paper appears to be relatively clear: impress with policy, charm with diplomacy, and aim to appease as many demographics as possible. However, an underlying, albeit pivotal, gallivanting factor to consider when assessing Harris’s chances of winning the White House is an inextricable quotient: the excitement factor.
In political circles, excitement is not a term often thrown about freely. It’s more commonplace to discuss policy directions, voter demographics, swing states, and campaign strategies. Yet, when it comes to Kamala Harris, excitement might indeed be the hidden ingredient that propels her towards or away from victory.
To understand the excitement that surrounds Kamala Harris, we must first acknowledge her historical significance. Harris caps a long line of political progression; she stands tall as the first woman of Indian and Jamaican heritage, a woman of color, to be on a major party’s national ticket. As a former prosecutor and California attorney general, she has a proven track record in public service that adds to her reputation and credibility. This trailblazing status carries a palpable excitement and sense of possibility for diverse groups across America, and indeed, the world.
The excitement factor, however, is not just about who Harris is but also about what she represents. Known for her stirring speeches and strong emotions, Kamala Harris radiates an aura of conviction and determination. When she speaks, people listen, not only because of what she has to say but also because of the empathetic power and persuasive vibrancy of her rhetoric. She has the potential to inspire the young, connect with the marginalized, and relate to the average voter in a near-mythic political trifecta of appeal.
However, the excitement that Harris brings to the table comes with its own set of challenges. Excitement, by its very nature, tends to wane over time and requires constant nurturing and novelty to sustain its momentum. The novelty of her candidacy, while initially exciting, may decline as the public becomes familiar with her political personas, leading to an eventual plateau of excitement over her bid. Unmet expectations and unforeseen missteps could also contribute to dampening the initial enthusiasm around her candidacy.
Critics have also been quick to remind folks that excitement doesn’t always lead to votes. The 2016 election saw a significant amount of excitement around both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, yet voter turnout was only slightly higher than it was in 2012. Voters excited by a candidate’s inspiring speeches or ground-breaking candidacy may not necessarily translate into actual votes come election day, unless this enthusiasm can continually be translated into concrete actions and results – an area where Harris will have to prove herself.
In summary, the excitement factor for Kamala Harris is undeniably a double-edged sword and could either propel her towards victory or impede her chances, depending on how effectively it’s managed. It’s an essential component of her campaign, and it will require strategic planning to maintain momentum and manage expectations, while still capitalizing on the novelty and historical significance of her candidacy. Regardless of policy and political strategy, it will be this excitement phenomenon that could arguably be the real determinant of Kamala’s success or failure in her race to the White House.
