The Enigma of Electability: Kamala Harris and the 2020 Democratic Primaries

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The political landscape is often a theater of surprises, and few figures have experienced this turbulence more than Kamala Harris. When Joe Biden bowed out of the 2020 presidential race, endorsing Harris, the online world buzzed with a curious ad comparing her to Donald Trump. It painted her as the cool, collected leader in contrast to Trump's temper tantrums. But the ad, released in late 2019, was not new, nor was it a conventional ad—it was never meant to be seen by the masses. Harris's campaign, despite its early promise, was starved of funds, and the ad was a whisper lost in the digitalvoid.

The Question of Electability

Why wasn't Harris considered electable then, and is she now? This question hangs heavy in the political discourse, a query that delves into the heart of electoral strategy and voter psychology. Harris, once a rising star in the Democratic firmament, saw her campaign falter before the primaries even began. Poll after poll suggested she lacked the electability factor—the intangible quality that makes a candidate seem destined for victory.

A Tale of Two Americas

The 2016 election was a seismic shift, leaving the Democratic Party reeling and searching for answers. The Midwest, traditionally a Democratic stronghold, had swung to Trump. The vibes were off, the atmosphere heavy with confusion and disbelief. Political analysts offered myriad explanations, but for many Democratic voters, there was a simple, chilling realization: their country had changed in ways they didn't understand.

The Shadow of Sexism and Misogyny

As the primary season loomed, the specter of sexism and misogyny loomed large. Despite Harris's strong credentials and compelling narrative, the fear of losing to Trump seemed to overshadow any desire for change or progress. Democratic voters, regardless of their own views, seemed to believe that a female candidate would not be able to defeat Trump. Harris's campaign, once brimming with potential, hit a wall it could not scale.

A Strategy Born of Optimism

Harris's campaign strategy was unconventional, targeting South Carolina early in the election cycle. The state, with its large African-American population, was seen as a crucial battleground. Her campaign launch, timed to coincide with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, was a powerful moment, but the reality of the primaries was far more complex.

The Fish Fry and the Electability Test

The World Famous Fish Fry, an iconic South Carolina event, was a litmus test for the candidates. Harris, unlucky to speak late in the lineup, failed to electrify the crowd. Her speech, while competent, did not stand out, and the voters' focus remained on the question of electability. Joe Biden, who spoke just before her, seemed to embody the safe choice—the candidate most likely to defeat Trump.

The Electability Paradox

Electability is a tricky concept to pin down. It's not about likeability or relatability; it's about perceived viability. Harris, despite her strengths, could not break through the glass ceiling of electability. Her campaign faltered, and she dropped out in December. The other candidates of color followed suit, leaving the field to two white men, and ultimately, Joe Biden secured the nomination and the presidency.

A New Era

As the political landscape shifts once again, the question of electability takes on new dimensions. Harris, now Vice President, faces a different kind of challenge. The 2024 election may be the first where electability isn't the driving force. The political calculus has changed, and Harris's future remains an enigma wrapped in the promise of potential.

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