In the whirlwind of the 2024 presidential campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris' team has found itself mired in controversy that has undermined its efforts to present her as a strong contender for the highest office.
Kamala HQ's account on X (formerly Twitter) has been a particularly problematic item, drawing widespread criticism for its mistakes and questionable strategies.
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That account, rebranded from Biden HQ, was meant to serve as a digital hub to rally support for Harris.
Instead, it has become a focal point for ridicule, not only by political opponents but by the general public.
When she's not inadvertently boosting her Republican rivals, Kamala's headquarters is engaged in a relentless campaign to smear former President Donald Trump, rather than tout Harris' policy accomplishments or proposals.
This approach has raised concerns among political observers about the campaign's priorities and effectiveness.
One of the most egregious examples of Kamala HQ's lapses in judgment occurred during the last few days of July, when both Harris and Trump held rallies in Atlanta, Georgia.
Georgia, a critical swing state, is expected to play a pivotal role in the upcoming election, making these rallies particularly meaningful.
Trump, who continues to command a strong base of support, drew a large crowd, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Harris' team.
In an attempt to downplay Trump's popularity, Kamala HQ posted a photo on X showing an empty section of the arena where Trump was scheduled to speak, implying that his rally had failed to attract a significant audience.
The post was paired with a side-by-side comparison of Harris' rally, suggesting his event had a higher turnout.
The intent was clear: to portray Harris as the most popular candidate in a key battleground state.
Left: Vice President Harris' full rally in Atlanta four days ago
Right: Empty seats at Trump's Atlanta rally on the same track today pic.twitter.com/r6pEpFQ7nd
— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) August 3, 2024
However, this move quickly backfired.
Conservative commentators and Trump supporters quickly responded with videos and images showing the arena packed with Trump supporters, with the so-called “empty” sections now filled to capacity.
keep trying You should see the crowd overflowing outside pic.twitter.com/04RG5HgAam
— Sara Rose (@saras76) August 3, 2024
The attempt to downplay Trump's rally attendance not only failed, but also drew attention to the relatively smaller crowd at Harris' event, prompting further criticism.
The optics of this debacle are especially damaging for Harris, who has struggled to gain momentum in the race.
While his campaign has tried to focus on attacking Trump, it has often neglected to highlight his accomplishments or present a compelling vision for the future.
This strategy contrasts with Trump, who, despite the controversies surrounding him, has consistently maintained a clear and focused message that resonates with his base.
You are fucking idiots pic.twitter.com/gmhXIOcbx4
— miguelifornia (@miguelifornia) August 3, 2024
The obsession with the size and optics of crowds is nothing new in American politics, but it's telling that the Harris campaign feels the need to engage in such tactics.
The focus on trying to outshine Trump in terms of rally attendance appears to stem from the embarrassment that surrounded President Joe Biden's 2020 campaign.
Biden, who often struggled to draw large crowds, was frequently mocked for the low attendance at his events.
— Sara Rose (@saras76) August 3, 2024
The Harris campaign's fixation on showing that it can attract more supporters than Trump may be an attempt to distance itself from the negative perceptions that plagued the Biden campaign.
However, this strategy could backfire.
Rather than elevating Harris as a candidate in her own right, it places her in a constant state of comparison with Trump, a figure who remains immensely popular within the Republican Party.
It also distracts from the substantive issues that should be at the forefront of the election: the economy, health care, foreign policy, and the challenges facing the nation.
He yelled at Kamala's crowd saying they were there for entertainment and left 10 minutes after Kamala started speaking pic.twitter.com/V8XqCxfXXp
— Sara Rose (@saras76) August 3, 2024
Polls in Georgia show a tight race, with Trump holding a slight lead over Harris.
With the election just three months away, there is still time for Harris to turn his campaign around and focus on the issues that matter most to voters.
Kamala's Camp keeps lying to you. And the left continues to believe it. So easily swayed to the left.
Below is shown #TrumpHe is concentrating #ATL#MAGA #Atlanta #AtlantaRally pic.twitter.com/ECCZPlH7PC
— MAGA PARTY PRESENTS ️ (@MAGAParty_) August 4, 2024
However, if his team continues to prioritize optics over substance, they risk alienating the electorate they need to win.
The failures of the Kamala HQ account highlight a wider problem within the Harris campaign: a lack of clear direction and messaging.
In a race as crucial as this, such shortcomings could prove costly. As the election approaches, Harris will have to prove not only that he can draw a crowd, but that he has the leadership qualities and vision to lead the country.
Otherwise, she may find herself eclipsed by the very opponent she is so desperately trying to eclipse.
This piece was written by LifeZette on August 17, 2024. It originally appeared on LifeZette and used with permission.
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