Things just keep looking worse for Kamala.
In a recent episode of “Real Time with Bill Maher,” the HBO host cast doubt on Vice President Kamala Harris’ chances in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, highlighting troubling signs for the Democratic campaign as the election draws near. Maher noted that the necessity for the party to actively rally Black male voters around Harris is not a promising indicator for her candidacy.
Maher remarked, “When you have an African American candidate, you probably shouldn’t be having to shore up your support among Black men, but that’s what’s going on.” His commentary was underscored by former President Barack Obama’s recent remarks in Pittsburgh, where he criticized Black men for not demonstrating the same enthusiasm for Harris as they did during his own campaigns. Obama pointedly noted the lack of energy and turnout among certain demographics, suggesting that some may be resistant to the idea of a woman as president.
Adding humor to the discussion, Maher mocked the Biden campaign’s decision to send Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to engage directly with Black male voters, quipping, “Who is best to connect with young Black male voters than Tim Walz? Because apparently Michael Bublé was not available.” This commentary reflects a broader sentiment among many Republicans and conservative commentators who view the Democratic strategy as misaligned with the expectations of key voter segments.
Further supporting Maher’s skepticism, polling data shows Harris lagging behind compared to previous Democratic candidates. As Maher pointed out, Joe Biden was ten points ahead of Trump at this stage in 2020, while Hillary Clinton enjoyed a similar advantage in 2016. In stark contrast, Harris is currently just 2.6 points ahead, raising concerns about her viability in battleground states like Pennsylvania and Michigan.
With rising concerns over Harris’ campaign effectiveness, Republicans see this as an opportunity to capitalize on the disarray within the Democratic Party as the election approaches. The challenges faced by Harris serve as a reminder that enthusiasm and voter engagement are crucial for any successful campaign, particularly when it comes to historically significant voter bases.