Kamala Harris has quickly risen to star status as Vice President, but how did she achieve this seemingly instant transformation? According to writer and strategist James Burnham, when there is no alternative, there is no problem. In this case, there was no alternative to elevating Harris to the spotlight, as replacing Joe Biden would not be ideal. This lack of competition in the Democratic nomination process allowed Harris to bypass the usual challenges and scrutiny that candidates face in a contested race.
Harris did not have to prove her credentials in a competitive primary, where her positions and record would have been scrutinized. Instead, she went directly into a race against Donald Trump with the full support of the media and her party. This lack of a competitive process has insulated her from tough questions and interactions with voters that could have exposed weaknesses.
Despite never running in a national Democratic primary, Harris is being treated like a political phenomenon. Her lack of a competitive nomination process has made her seem larger than life, boosted by a party and press that have invested all their hopes in her success. As a result, she has become more than just a vice president, but a symbol of inspiration and moderation.
Rich Lowry, editor in chief of National Review, highlights the unique circumstances that have contributed to Harris’ sudden rise to stardom without the usual challenges that candidates face in the nomination process.
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