The question of Kamala Harris’s political future is a topic that continues to stir debate. As the former Vice President finds herself without an official political role, her influence within the Democratic Party seems to be waning. Victor Davis Hanson, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, recently discussed this on “Jesse Watters Primetime.” The conversation shed light on Harris’s position, the Democratic Party’s current challenges, and what the future holds for both.
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Kamala Harris: A Waning Political Star?
Kamala Harris no longer holds the title of Vice President, senator, or any other formal political office. As Hanson pointed out, her decision to align with the more progressive, diversity-driven, open-borders wing of the Democratic Party may now be working against her. While she once represented a rising star, the shifting political landscape has left her increasingly sidelined.
Hanson criticized her communication style, describing it as a repetitive “wash, spin, rinse cycle” with limited substance. This, he suggested, makes it difficult for her to connect with a broader audience or stake a claim for leadership within a divided Democratic Party.
The State of the Democratic Party
The broader context of Harris’s situation lies in the current state of the Democratic Party. Hanson painted a grim picture, noting that the party finds itself out of power in key areas. They don’t hold the presidency, the Senate, the House of Representatives, or the Supreme Court. Without subpoena power or the ability to confirm major appointments, their influence in the legislative process has significantly diminished.
Adding to their challenges, many of the policies they champion are polling below 50% approval, leaving the party disconnected from a large portion of the electorate. Rather than recalibrating their messaging or priorities, Hanson suggested that party leaders have doubled down on aggressive tactics, creating an echo chamber that amplifies their struggles instead of addressing them.
A Return to “Normalcy”?
Hanson likened the country’s current political climate to waking up from a bad dream. He argued that many Americans feel as though the last few years were an unsettling departure from normalcy. Now, as people regain a sense of stability, they’re pushing back against what they see as adolescent protests and political stunts from some Democratic leaders.
The imagery of college campus protests—complete with signs, emotional outbursts, and late-night activism—was used to describe how some Democrats approach politics today. Hanson questioned whether this energy, which may resonate with some younger voters, alienates the broader electorate looking for competent, mature leadership.
Can Kamala Harris Reinvent Herself?
The possibility of Harris reinventing herself in the political arena remains uncertain. Hanson speculated that she might stay out of the spotlight for now, allowing the public to forget recent controversies. This strategy could give her an opportunity to resurface in a new capacity, possibly in California, where she once held office as attorney general and senator. However, the process of reinvention is not guaranteed to succeed, especially if her political base continues to dwindle.
While her current political currency seems to diminish by the day, Harris still has time to reconsider her approach. She might follow a path similar to politicians like John Fetterman, who have managed to rebrand themselves in unique ways despite public scrutiny.
Conclusion
Kamala Harris’s political future remains uncertain as she navigates life outside of office. Her alignment with progressive policies and her current lack of an official role have left her on the sidelines during a turbulent time for the Democratic Party. Whether she can reclaim relevance depends on her ability to adapt and respond to the needs of an electorate that appears to be seeking stability and leadership. For now, Harris seems to be in a holding pattern, and only time will tell if she reemerges as a political force or fades further into the background.
