Vice President Kamala Harris In The Belly of the Beast

Last night, around 7 pm, I received a call from a Trump supporter who had just watched Fox News anchor Bret Baier "interview" VP Kamala Harris and thought she looked pitiful. I was able to find the interview (you can see it yourself above) on YouTube, and had a completely different take on it.

First, in stark contrast the Trump's portrayal of her as a dumb woman, she came across as pretty tough and far more knowledgeable than he or Baier.

Second, I give Trump credit for his willingness to go into hostile territory and face tough questions. But he often rambles when he answers. Harris has now demonstrated she has can go into enemy territory and respond with actual facts as opposed to blatant lies. Did she sidestep some questions? Yes, she was traversing a minefield. Overall, I thought she looked Presidential. 

Third, Fox Host interviewer Baier was mostly parroting Trump's talking points and repeatedly interrupted her when she tried to answer questions. I'm sure this was noticed by Republican-leaning women who watched the broadcast. 

Kamala Harris Looks Presidential in CNN Interview

Last night, Kamala Harris sat down for an interview with CNN's Dana Bush. I think it was a mistake for her to be joined by running mate Tim Walz because it is she, and not he, who is the lead candidate. She's come under criticism for failing to do interviews before this, but in her defense, she's had very little time to orchestrate a national campaign.

My overall conclusion is that she helped herself and may have won over some undecideds. She looked Presidential. Donald Trump, in contrast, looks rather small. ... And weird. 

Harris on Border Security: Donald Trump "Does Not Walk It Like He Talks It"

From last night's Harris rally in Georgia:

"Our administration worked on the most border security bill in decades. Some of the most conservative Republicans in Washington supported the bill. Even the Border Security endorsed it. It was all set to pass. But at the last minute, Trump directed his allies in the Senate to vote it down. He tanked the bipartisan deal because he thought it would help him win an election, which goes to show Donald Trump does not care about border security, he only cares about himself." 

In the meantime, the vicious personal attacks from the right continue, with Lara Trump likening Harris to a fashon designer's faux trash bag, whatever that is.

Stay classy, Trump cult.

The Lord Almighty Has Spoken, But Does He Endorse Kamala?

After a disastrous debate in which he looked like he was auditioning for a part in the latest zombie movie, President Joe Biden attempted unsuccessfully to show that he has a few sparks left in several disappointing interviews. He told ABC's George Stephanopoulos that he'd withdraw his candidacy for President only if the "Lord Almighty" came down and told him to pull the plug. That must have happened over the weekend because, as we all know by now, he's finally realized he has no path to victory and has pulled out of the Presidential race. At the same time, he's thrown his support behind his VP, Kamala Harris. While she's already received the endorsement of all 50 state chairs and many would-be rivals, several prominent Democrats (Obama, Pelosi, Schumer and Jeffries) are mum. I'd prefer an open process myself. 

Harris would almost certainly emerge victorious from a competitive convention. This would also prove that she can win, something she was utterly unable to do when she ran four years ago. It would also open her up to a little scrutiny. I believe she had a rough start as VEEP but has come a long way over the past year. My chief concern is whether this Californian from a deep blue state can finally succeed in laying out a vision that appeals to America's disaffected working class. If she can do this, as Trump and JD Vance have done, she could win. 

America has never elected a woman to our highest office. I'm uncertain whether that is coincidence or evidence of the sexism I saw hurled at the female Secret Service agents who protected Trump. I do know this. She will be subjected to numerous similar attacks precisely because of her sex, and some of them will almost certainly come from Trump himself. And those attacks will backfire, drawing more moderates to her. 

What's your take on Biden's withdrawal and Harris' sudden candidacy? Do you support an open process, or should the party just embrace her as if she were an heir apparent?