The American vice president and Democratic candidate for the White House, Kamala Harris, and the former Republican president Donald Trump (2017-2021) arrive at the polls this Tuesday not only with two opposing visions for the country, but with two antagonistic personalities that polarize the United States. .
An omnipresent mandate and a discreet vice presidency
Trump ruled by using Twitter. Social networks served as a loudspeaker for their policies and events, which reached the population, often at ungodly hours, without the filter of traditional media.
Her extensive exposure contrasts with the discreet role played by Harris until Joe Biden resigned from the re-election race in July and she took over from him. She has been so in the shadow of the president that many citizens have begun to discover her in this brief and accelerated campaign.
The burden of continuity against the force of great promises
The Vice Presidency, more than an advantage, partly works against Harris. She is simultaneously “blamed” for Biden’s decisions and for not doing what he now promises during his Administration, Tammy Vigil, professor of Communication at Boston University, explains to EFE.
Trump is trying to regain power with the intention of “fixing” the situation in the country after these four years of Democratic government. He has in his favor the apparent forgetfulness of some of his craziest ideas, such as treating the coronavirus with an injection of bleach, and the superlative magnetism of his proposals, summarized in his motto “Make America Great Again.”
A faithful base in the face of the need to convince people
The New York tycoon enjoys a loyal base that does not penalize him for his mistakes or his pending cases with justice. “He has established a relationship with his followers that allows him to say and do almost anything without alienating them,” explains Vigil, for whom “his messages allow people to give free rein to their worst impulses and many appreciate it.”
Harris faces the challenge of proving he can take charge. According to Tom Hollihan, professor of Communication at the USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism, she has on her side her experience as a lawyer, attorney general of California, senator and later vice president, in addition to showing empathy towards people different from her.
Almost 20 years difference
Harris turned 60 in October and Trump turned 78 in June. When the Democratic candidate was Biden, 81, criticism of advanced age and its effects on a candidate’s physical and mental capacity was directed at the president, practically ignoring that his rival Republican was only three years younger.
According to Hollihan, the former president makes “rambling, undisciplined speeches and often crazy comments,” but unlike Biden, the media coverage received has not framed these failures as due to age or cognitive decline, so they have not harmed him much. .
Harris’ ‘glass ceilings’
Harris could be the first woman, the first African-American and the first person of South Asian origin to reach the Oval Office. Although in a way it makes more people identify with her, they are also factors that constitute barriers to her candidacy.
“Even if they don’t admit it, a large portion of America’s voting population (both men and women) still harbors misogynistic and racist beliefs. These people will find excuses to vote for any man over a woman, especially one of color. “says Vigil.
Poles of opposite voters
Trump leads Harris by 5 percentage points among men and Harris leads him by 11 points among women. That last difference rises to 40 points among voters between 18 and 29 years old, according to a recent ABC News poll.
Men, according to Hollihan, seem to respond to Trump’s “crudeness,” “his macho style and perceived ‘toughness.'” These same attributes, plus his hostility toward women and their right to control their reproductive health decisions, appear to discourage female voters, especially younger ones.
It’s not the only difference. Trump, Vigil adds, “attracts voters who are amused by his antics. He gives voice to the grievances his followers feel but perhaps feel need to be suppressed,” while Harris is the viable option for citizens tired of the rhetoric of the republican and “of the anger and division of contemporary politics.”
Washington / EFE
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**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Emily Stratton About the Recent Georgia Election Results**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Stratton. The recent election in Georgia, where Donald Trump secured a significant victory, has raised many eyebrows. What does this mean for Kamala Harris and the Democratic party moving forward?
**Dr. Stratton:** Thank you for having me. Trump’s win in Georgia is indeed a serious blow to Kamala Harris. Georgia was a pivotal state for Biden in 2020, and losing it now signals potential trouble for the Democrats as they head into the campaign trail. It not only reflects a shift in voter sentiment but also puts pressure on Harris to redefine her approach and rally the base.
**Interviewer:** In your analysis, how does the contrasting styles of Trump and Harris play into their campaigns?
**Dr. Stratton:** The differences are stark. Trump’s approach has historically been loud and confrontational, leveraging social media to communicate directly with his followers. In many ways, he leads with charisma and polarizing rhetoric, which energizes his base. Harris, on the other hand, has maintained a more subdued presence until recently. With her being in the shadow of Biden for most of his presidency, she now faces the challenge of stepping into the spotlight and crafting her own narrative amidst those criticisms.
**Interviewer:** Some have pointed out that Harris also carries the weight of Biden’s decisions. How does this impact her campaign strategy?
**Dr. Stratton:** Absolutely, that’s a double-edged sword for her. While she can leverage her experience and empathy, every decision from the Biden administration will inevitably be scrutinized and attributed to her as well. She needs to distance herself from the unpopular aspects of the current administration while also championing initiatives that resonate with the electorate. It’s a delicate balance and she has to navigate it carefully.
**Interviewer:** There seems to be a notable difference in age and energy between the two candidates. How does that factor into voter perceptions?
**Dr. Stratton:** Age is certainly a relevant topic in this race, especially given the public’s focus on Biden’s age during the last election. With Harris being 60 and Trump 78, voters might have differing perceptions of vitality and capability. It’s essential for Harris to project energy and decisiveness to counteract any skepticism surrounding her competence, especially within the context of an older candidate.
**Interviewer:** what do you think Harris needs to do to secure more support as she campaigns against a figure like Trump who has such a loyal base?
**Dr. Stratton:** Harris needs to engage with undecided voters actively and address their concerns directly. This might mean outlining clear, impactful policies that are not only appealing but also show how they differ from Trump’s proposals. Additionally, she should work on building a stronger emotional connection to her potential voters, presenting herself not just as a candidate, but as a leader who understands their hopes and challenges.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Stratton, for your insights. It will be interesting to see how this race unfolds.
**Dr. Stratton:** Thank you! The coming months will certainly be pivotal in shaping the political landscape.