Kamala Harris’s campaign looks like it’s tripping over its own feet right as it reaches the last stretch. Voters are starting to take a hard look at her record, and let’s just say, it’s not pretty. From her controversial days as a prosecutor to a vice presidency that’s been, at best, unremarkable, Harris’s political career has become a collection of question marks. Now, with swing voters in key battleground states starting to weigh in, the cracks are showing.
In her role as VP, Harris has become known for a shaky command of big issues, vague policy positions, and speeches that leave people scratching their heads. When she talks, it often feels like she’s dancing around the topic, leaving voters wondering where she actually stands. And for undecided voters, Harris’s lack of clarity isn’t just a minor annoyance—it’s starting to become a serious red flag.
What Voters Really Think
Mark Halperin recently ran a focus group with undecided voters in Pennsylvania, and the results weren’t exactly a love letter to Harris. Voters in the group threw out terms like “unqualified,” “insincere,” and “unexceptional” to describe her. And yes, you read that right—these weren’t political pundits but everyday voters, and they weren’t holding back. Some even went so far as to call her “totally unqualified” and “unprincipled.”
For Harris, that’s a rough reality check. Pennsylvania is a swing state where undecided voters hold a lot of power. These aren’t voters who are just along for the ride; they’re the ones who can tip the scales. The overall impression? Harris seems to lack the conviction and experience they’d expect from a potential president.
Confusion Around Harris’s Policies
When Halperin asked the group if anyone could explain Harris’s positions on major issues, only one voter raised his hand—and he did so with a hint of sarcasm. He admitted his answer was “tongue-in-cheek,” noting that Harris’s positions seem to be whatever’s politically convenient at the moment. Another voter chimed in with, “What positions?” summing up the group’s frustration.
It’s one thing to be a bit vague, but Harris’s lack of a clear, consistent stance on key issues has left voters scratching their heads. For those trying to make a confident decision at the polls, this murkiness isn’t helping. When it’s hard to figure out what a candidate stands for, especially on big issues, the road to winning over swing voters gets a lot steeper.
The Trump Contrast
Now, for a striking comparison: when asked about former President Donald Trump, the focus group used words like “determined,” “strong,” and “business-minded.” Even those who didn’t necessarily agree with his personality gave him credit for being a straight shooter when it comes to his goals. Compared to Harris, Trump came across as someone who’s ready to fight tooth and nail for votes, especially in places like Pennsylvania, where he’s ramping up his campaign efforts.
Trump’s focus on high-energy rallies in critical states seems to be resonating with swing voters, while Harris’s events tend to feel a bit, well, lackluster. Even undecided voters are noticing the difference in energy and commitment, with most of Halperin’s focus group seeing Trump as the one working harder to earn their vote.
A Struggle to Connect
One of the standout observations from Halperin’s panel was Harris’s lack of connection with everyday voters. Her speeches are often criticized as overly scripted, robotic, and detached. In contrast, Trump’s bold, unscripted approach, though divisive, has undeniably helped him establish a connection with his base. It’s this authenticity—or at least perceived authenticity—that voters are responding to.
Harris has been campaigning with high-profile figures like Michelle Obama, hoping that their popularity will rub off. But as the focus group demonstrated, voters don’t just want a famous endorsement; they want a leader who speaks with conviction. Right now, that’s where Harris is coming up short.
Pennsylvania Voters Are Skeptical
Halperin’s group didn’t mince words. Though they used terms like “graceful” and “loyal” to describe Harris, the general consensus was that she doesn’t have what it takes to run the country. And in Pennsylvania, where every vote can be the one that tips the scale, this lack of confidence could be pivotal.
The focus group’s words reflect a broader skepticism that’s starting to take root. Pennsylvania is a critical battleground with a high-stakes election, and Harris’s campaign just doesn’t seem to be connecting with the voters she needs most. If she can’t win over these undecided voters, her chances of taking the lead in such states could be shrinking fast.
The Biden-Harris Legacy Isn’t Helping
As VP, Harris has faced criticism for her handling of big issues like immigration and national security. For some, her role in the administration feels like an afterthought. While President Biden’s policies have their defenders, Harris’s perceived detachment on key issues hasn’t exactly bolstered her credibility. In the words of one focus group member, Harris’s contributions to the administration are “more symbolic than substantial.” That’s a tough image to shake when you’re trying to convince voters that you’re ready to lead.
This isn’t exactly the type of endorsement Harris was hoping for as she faces Trump in a matter of days. To sway undecided voters, she’ll need to clarify her vision—fast.
Final Sprint to Election Day
Both campaigns are in a last-minute scramble to shore up votes. Trump’s high-energy campaign stops across Pennsylvania and Michigan are giving his base the fuel they need. Meanwhile, Harris has been holding her own rallies, but the energy just doesn’t compare.
Of Halperin’s eight-member panel, six voters saw Trump as working harder to win them over than Harris. For a campaign, that’s a flashing red light. Swing voters are often the ones who decide the outcome, especially in states like Pennsylvania, where margins are razor-thin. The perception of who’s putting in the effort matters—and right now, Harris’s campaign seems to be coasting.
As Election Day draws near, Harris’s campaign faces an uphill battle. Swing voters aren’t just an afterthought; they’re the make-or-break factor in this election. And with every undecided voter she fails to sway, Harris’s path to victory gets just a bit narrower.