Democrat presidential nominee Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz are attempting to position themselves as “change agents,” a challenging narrative since Harris is already in power. Rather than solving issues or delivering results for Americans, she’s been criticized for worsening problems, particularly regarding inflation and illegal immigration. Harris supported policies that rolled back border security measures from former President Donald Trump and voted for spending bills that contributed to rising prices.
When Harris appeared on The View, she was asked what she would have done differently from Joe Biden. Her inability to provide an answer undermined their campaign’s claim of being about “change” or offering “a new way forward.”
Meanwhile, Walz has been tasked with addressing the campaign’s “problem with men,” but his efforts have fallen short.
During an interview with ABC6’s Brian Taff in Philadelphia, Walz was asked why Trump’s message resonates with men, and particularly, why black men should support their ticket. Walz responded by saying, “Well, first of all, I think it’s because the policies are aimed at the middle class… Opportunities, whether it’s home ownership, uh, the ability to get good paying jobs, costs, making sure there’s cost containment.” He added, “And then understanding that we realize there’s a place for everybody in this country.”
His answer, filled with generalities, missed the mark. Taff then asked why black men should trust the Democrats now when previous promises went unfulfilled. Walz suggested the issue was one of “messaging” rather than failed policies, which came across as dismissive.
Taff then pressed the core issue: how can Harris and Walz promise to “turn the page” on the current administration when Harris herself has been a significant part of it? Walz sidestepped by saying, “the difference between Kamala Harris and Joe Biden is not what they [the American voters] need to be concerned with.”
This answer was arguably worse than Harris’s non-response. Essentially, the campaign seemed to be telling voters not to worry about any differences between Harris and Biden and to vote for them regardless. Their refusal to provide clear answers or distinguish themselves from the current administration only adds to the frustration.