Harris at a Crossroads: A Call for Authentic Engagement 

As the Election Looms, Will Harris Connect With Young Voters or Repeat Past Mistakes? 

With just two weeks until the election, Kamala Harris seems to be having a “Clinton” moment. This mirrors Hillary Clinton’s complacency in 2016, where her arrogance led to her defeat. Both candidates appeared to think their elections would be easy wins. Instead of focusing on Gen-Z voters, who are crucial to her campaign, Harris is appealing to the likes of the Cheney family — hardly a popular choice among our generation. It seems she values endorsements from a few New York Times and Wall Street Journal columnists over engaging with an entire voting block of potential first-time voters. Initially, Harris had impressive momentum after choosing Walz as her running mate, but she made a critical error that shifted her trajectory. With the troubling actions Trump has been taking lately, there is no reason Harris shouldn’t be polling significantly ahead right now. Instead, she is now shown to be faltering in the polls behind, still ahead of Trump but only by the skin of her teeth. 

At the beginning of their campaign, Harris and Walz effectively framed their opponents, Donald Trump and JD Vance, as oddities, and unsurprisingly, this tactic resonated with many voters. Trump and Vance are indeed peculiar figures. Just last week, at a rally, Trump took a break from his questioning to sway awkwardly for 30 minutes to a mix of ‘Ave Maria’ and ‘YMCA.’ How can anyone take him seriously after that? He has adopted increasingly authoritarian rhetoric, yet a significant portion of the electorate remains passionately supportive. At 78, he is the oldest person ever to run for president, and yet people sell flags depicting him as Rambo, which adds another layer of absurdity. Trump’s speech often consists of mumbling and rambling, accompanied by an unsettling affinity for characters like Hannibal Lecter. The more I delve into his campaign, the more confused I become. Instead of feeling anger or fear, I find myself struggling to understand his proposals and positions. Recently, he staged a bizarre appearance as a minimum wage worker at a McDonald’s, which has since come to light as possibly being staged. It’s a striking reminder of his disconnect from reality. In any other scenario, someone like him would be gently guided back to the comforts of a retirement home. While this piece aims to spotlight Harris, the larger narrative should revolve around her positioning in this election. It should be a compelling push in her favor, as Trump, under any reasonable assessment, should be driving voters away. Harris needs to be the candidate pulling them in, presenting a clear and positive vision that stands in stark contrast to the chaotic and often baffling nature of Trump’s campaign. The stakes are high, and it’s essential for voters to recognize the differences between the candidates, ensuring that Harris’ message resonates amidst the noise.  

Many may deny it, but the policies Harris is advocating are far from extreme. In fact, compared to previous liberals, she is running closer to the center than we have seen since around 2012. Describing the ideological “center” in American politics is complex and often divisive, so I’ll refrain from labeling her strictly as a centrist. She does incorporate both progressive and conservative policies into her platform. However, my focus here is not on her policy details but rather on how her presentation has resulted in a loss of enthusiasm among the youngest voting generation. 

When Harris announced her candidacy in July, my sense of dread about another Biden-Trump race diminished, a feeling shared by many in the 18-29 demographic on social media. The excitement intensified further with the announcement of Tim Walz as her VP. Walz’s relatable demeanor starkly contrasted with Vance’s odd and off-putting persona, making him feel like a genuine candidate rather than someone mired in rumors about strange behaviors (particularly behaviors involving couches.) For me, the hopelessness surrounding this election faded, especially as Walz began referring to Trump and Vance as “weirdos,” resonating with how many of my peers perceive them. 

It seemed like the liberal tradition of capitulating to every viewpoint was finally ending. This shift occurred before Harris had even outlined her specific policies. There was a palpable sense that the campaign had abandoned compromise and spinelessness. However, that hope was short-lived. Suddenly, the campaign pivoted, attempting to appeal to the small percentage of Republicans who are disenchanted with Trump, seemingly prioritizing them over the broader electorate. Thankfully, the Harris campaign knows that trying to appeal to the Trump voting bloc is about futile, so they aren’t trying to convert any hardcore Trumpers. Yet, that small faction appeared to hold more sway in the Harris campaign than the larger, more enthusiastic base of young voters. 

Sure, the Harris campaign occasionally posts humorous TikToks, and Walz recently referred to Elon Musk as a “dipshit,” but overall, the campaign has lost its initial fire in terms of public relations. Policy-wise, Harris remains unpopular among Gen-Z, leading some to invoke the same “lesser of two evils” arguments used to justify supporting Biden in the last election. Why are we bound to repeat this cycle? It feels frustratingly inevitable. I often feel as though I’m shouting into a void regarding this election. My discontent with both candidates is profound, and neither will receive my vote; I demand more from those who claim to work for me. While that expectation may not align with reality, it highlights the disconnect many feel in today’s political landscape. 

As the clock ticks down to Election Day, the need for a reinvigorated campaign strategy has never been more critical for Harris. To capture the attention and enthusiasm of younger voters, she must prioritize authentic engagement and address the issues that resonate with their experiences and aspirations. The current political climate is rife with uncertainty, and Harris has an opportunity to galvanize a generation that feels increasingly disillusioned. By shifting her focus back to grassroots connections, she can transform her campaign from one of complacency into a movement that inspires genuine hope and participation. This means moving beyond superficial social media interactions and actively participating in conversations that matter to young voters—climate change, social justice, and economic opportunity.   

Furthermore, Harris must recognize that the stakes are higher than mere polling numbers; they represent the future direction of the country. The stark contrast between her platform and the bizarre antics of her opponents should serve as a springboard for her messaging. Yet, it requires a willingness to listen and adapt. Engaging directly with Gen-Z—at town halls, local events, and online forums—can help rebuild trust and enthusiasm. She needs to harness the energy and creativity of young activists who are already mobilizing for change, making them feel seen and heard. If she can successfully do this, she has the potential not just to reclaim her initial momentum but also to foster a sense of shared purpose that resonates across party lines.  

In this election cycle, where disillusionment runs deep, Harris must emerge as a candidate who embodies the ideals and hopes of the younger generation. If she can communicate a clear, positive vision that directly addresses the concerns of voters, she might just turn the tide in her favor and engage a generation eager for change. The time for complacency is over; it’s time for Harris to demonstrate the leadership and vision that can truly resonate with the electorate. Only then can she solidify her position as a serious contender, rather than merely a placeholder in a political landscape that desperately needs renewal.