Kamala Harris Should Not Have Focused On Social Issues
Kamala Harris’ 2024 campaign had strong potential, but in many ways, it struggled to connect with everyday Americans. While I support her and appreciate her policies, it was clear that there were missed opportunities in her approach, especially in comparison to Donald Trump’s campaign. Kamala focused heavily on star-studded events and social issues, which, while significant, didn’t fully address the urgent economic concerns of the average American.
One of the most noticeable aspects of her campaign was its heavy reliance on celebrity endorsements and appearances. Seeing well-known personalities like Beyoncé and other famous entertainers perform at her rallies may have been exciting and entertaining, but it didn’t convey the type of seriousness and empathy that average Americans might have been looking for. This “Grammy night” approach may have actually distanced her from everyday people. While it was a creative idea to use her platform to showcase culture and diversity, the celebrity emphasis could easily make her feel out of touch with the challenges most voters face, especially in times of economic hardship.
Where Trump’s campaign zeroed in on fundamental issues — such as job creation, healthcare, and the cost of living — Kamala’s leaned more toward social issues. Reproductive rights and transgender issues are important, but, for many people, they don’t come first when they’re struggling to afford groceries or pay rent. Kamala’s campaign may have been more effective had she devoted a more significant portion of her rhetoric to these essential topics, showing voters that she understood the economic struggles that are affecting millions of Americans right now.
There was also a missed opportunity for Kamala to engage with younger audiences through modern platforms, as Trump did. Instead of connecting with average Americans through relatable and accessible media, Kamala’s campaign relied on staged events, which can feel out of reach and irrelevant to many. Had she tapped into newer, more personal forms of media, like podcasts, streams, and casual interviews, she might have had a better chance at winning over the youth vote in a genuine way. Platforms like Joe Rogan’s podcast and appearances on streaming sites would have been excellent spaces to discuss her policies in an open, relatable format and reach younger Americans who are increasingly turning to these platforms for information.
Another concern was her campaign’s tone. Her frequent laughter and light-heartedness may have seemed charming in some contexts, but, for many, it likely appeared out of sync with the gravity of issues at hand. Many people in the U.S. are living paycheck to paycheck, feeling the weight of inflation and the high cost of education. For them, policies on job creation, affordable healthcare, and lower costs of living would have resonated deeply.
Ultimately, Kamala Harris had the right ideas and important perspectives to offer, but her approach to delivering them did not always align with what Americans needed to hear most urgently. Her campaign, while well-intentioned, might have been stronger with a greater focus on the daily economic struggles of the American people. I am hopeful that Kamala will re-run in 2028 with a different approach.