Voters will soon learn that Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris is far more progressive than President Joe Biden.
That’s not the only bad news.
The rest of the bad news? Conservatives played a major role in pushing aside Biden and paving the way for Harris’ ascension.
In a perfect example of “be careful what you wish for,” Harris is as progressive as Republicans have painted Biden to be — which is great for the left and terrible for conservatives — and will truly test the beliefs of moderates.
Conservatives were shortsighted about Harris and Biden
I will admit that I never expected Harris to be a presidential candidate or even a president, nor did many conservatives, and I now see how foolish and shortsighted that was.
Let me explain. Democrats have been bitterly criticizing Donald Trump for eight years and Republicans for decades. That’s a long time to take flak. As Biden deteriorated, he became the obvious target for criticism. Not the 81-year-old commander in chief himself, but the Democratic leadership who denied reality while supporting a leader clearly unfit to serve another four years. This was a grave error that should have been pointed out.
The commentary almost became self-sufficient: “Why did the Democrats lie so much? Were they gaslighting the American people? Don’t they care about democracy?” These questions were important, and they provided some relief from the constant shaming that Republicans have received in the media for years. Finally, there was a new target. And it wasn’t us.
I didn’t think the Democrats would change course and pick Harris. I didn’t think she would be an appealing candidate. Who would vote for someone this progressive who rose to the top without winning a primary? But I’m definitely not in her target demographic.
We never expected the Democrats to oust Biden just a few months before the election. What did conservatives think they could accomplish by having the Democrats thoroughly investigate Biden? I think some of us thought that our focus would lead to victory. But our “it’s done” moment didn’t last long.
Many Republicans, including myself, didn’t expect the GOP to dump Biden for Harris, because they could have let go of Trump and didn’t. MAGA populists outnumber anti-Trump conservatives like me, so it wasn’t really a question. But even if it was possible, the GOP wouldn’t have done it. Republicans are often not as strategic or as astute as progressives.
Voters deserve to hear the truth from Harris.What did Kamala Harris know about Biden’s declining health, and when did she know?
One reason Democrats are successful is because they have a boldness that Republicans lack. Where Republicans are loyal and tolerant, Democrats are ruthless. Where Republicans hesitate, Democrats focus. They want wins now, not a “legacy” later. After all, winning leads to a legacy.
You know what doesn’t lead to victory? Pitching an older, convicted white man against a young, energetic, progressive Black and South Asian woman.
Republicans have called Biden a far-left liberal, which Harris is.
Conservatives have portrayed Biden as a far-left progressive who is too old and weak to serve effectively. Some of that is true, but he is not a far-left liberal. Conservatives have criticized Biden’s tax policies, college loan forgiveness program, and “build back better” program as total failures. But compared to Harris, Biden’s policies would seem more moderate.
Harris appeals to Democrats who favor left-wing rhetoric Regarding inclusion and equality And as for progressive policies, Abolition of private health insuranceHe would implement a mandatory gun buyback program, ban oil and gas fracking, and oppose additional police forces.
I love being a mother.But J.D. Vance is horribly wrong about “childless, cat-loving women.”
For conservatives, Harris’ surprise candidacy offers an opportunity to dig deeper into her record, ideas and policies, and show moderates and independents that her presidency would worsen the quality of life for most Americans.
Harris stands in stark contrast to conservative ideas and values. Her candidacy calls into question what a Harris presidency would mean for the future of our country. Harris vs. Trump will be a defining moment for America in which direction we really want to go.
I’ve complained about Biden, but I can now say that a Kamala Harris presidency would make the last four years look like Republicans were in power.
Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist for USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four children. Sign up for her newsletter, “The Right Track”delivered to your inbox.
