Kamala Harris Risks Losing Election by Avoiding Direct Attacks on Trump

Kamala Harris’ strategy of adopting a “joyful warrior” approach, coupled with her reluctance to directly confront Donald Trump, could jeopardize her chances in the upcoming election, a political scientist warned this week. Professor M. Steven Fish of the University of California, Berkeley, shared his concerns during a conversation with Salon, emphasizing that Harris needs to intensify her campaign efforts as the election cycle enters its final weeks.

Fish pointed out that Harris’ hesitation to launch full-on attacks against Trump may prove disastrous. “If the candidates are unwilling to say anything new and provocative, the media will focus on their misstatements and artless dodges,” he cautioned. He added, “Playing it safe is the most dangerous thing Harris can do.”

Initially, Harris entered the race with significant enthusiasm and excitement, managing to capture public attention effectively. However, according to Fish, that momentum has since waned. He noted that while Trump has ramped up his game with daily bombastic statements that dominate the media landscape, Harris has struggled to maintain her presence in the news cycle. “They started sinking back into their old risk-aversion, lying low and hoping Trump would discredit himself,” Fish said of Harris’ campaign trajectory.

The professor stressed that Harris’ success hinges on her ability to articulate bold and engaging messages. He observed that in recent interviews, she has frequently resorted to stonewalling, dodging, and reframing questions to fit scripted responses. “When she was confronted with this matter recently, she said that her approach was a sign of discipline,” Fish noted. “She might see it that way, but many voters — including those she most needs to impress — are more likely to see it as annoying and craven. Warriors don’t lack the courage to answer questions directly.”

Fish highlighted the importance of the last few weeks of the campaign, urging Harris and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, to adopt a more aggressive stance against Trump. He believes that by staying on the attack while also sharing inspirational personal stories, they can capture the media’s attention effectively. “If they do that, they will command coverage across all media,” he asserted.

The professor expressed disbelief that Democrats, having previously succeeded in ridiculing Trump and witnessing Harris’ subsequent rise in the polls, would revert to a more cautious approach. “You’d think the Democrats would get this all the more, since when they did bear down on ridiculing Trump it worked magnificently and Harris shot up in the polls. The proof of concept could not be clearer,” he remarked.

However, Fish noted a shift in the party’s messaging after mid-September, suggesting that fear-driven tactics have resurfaced. “How will Trump’s campaign react? Will voters turn against us if we admit a past mistake? Won’t Trump’s base be so offended by attacks on their hero that they’ll rush to the polls in record numbers?” he questioned.

To prevail, Fish believes that Harris must abandon this traditional Democratic approach of retreating and allowing Trump to dominate the conversation. He emphasized that the upcoming 15 days are critical for the campaign. “They’ve got to gut Trump while telling their own compelling personal stories, loud and clear,” he concluded, urging Harris to take bold action in the fight for the presidency.