Victor Davis Hanson Proposes Harris’ Pursuit of a Second Debate Indicates She’s Disturbed By ‘Internal Polls’

Date: September 13, 2024

In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris’s recent request for a second debate has garnered attention and analysis. Victor Davis Hanson, a distinguished scholar at the Hoover Institution, posits that Harris’s initiative may be reflective of troubling internal polling results.

Request for a Second Debate

Harris’s call for a second debate is viewed by Hanson as an indication that her campaign may not be faring well in terms of internal polling. He suggests that the decision stems from the realization that she needs to alter the trajectory of her campaign to remain competitive.

Interpretation of Internal Polls

According to Hanson, the request is not merely a tactical choice but rather a signal of distress regarding Harris’s current standing. If her internal polls were favorable, the impetus for an additional debate might not be as pressing. Instead, it hints at uncertainty and the need for more significant opportunities to enhance her visibility and voter appeal.

Strategic Implications

The strategic nature of Harris’s appeal for a second debate underscores her campaign’s desire to recover momentum. While debates can serve as pivotal moments to sway public opinion, the necessity for a second debate raises questions about the confidence behind her campaign’s current performance.

Commentary by Victor Davis Hanson

Hanson’s commentary reflects an analysis of potential vulnerabilities within Harris’s strategy. By seeking another debate, it appears her campaign is responding more to challenges than proactively asserting strength. This interpretation lends insight into the dynamics shaping the forthcoming election season.

Overall, Victor Davis Hanson’s observations imply that Harris’s request for a second debate is deeply intertwined with concerns over her campaign’s trajectory, shaped in part by internal polling data that suggests a need for urgent action.