Mornin’ Politocadoes!
It’s been a tumultuous summer for Democrats. Back in June, we were all still voting for Joe BIden. Trump was still doing…whatever it is that he does that makes him viable for Republicans. No one outside of the Twin Cities knew who Tim Walz was. And JD Vance was still just an empty shell of a man grasping for power, not a man accused of crimes against furniture.
But that all changed when Biden decided to cease his run for a second term. His vice president, Kamala Harris, would become the nominee. That, of course, has led to a flurry of activity completely re-working the previous Biden-Harris campaign apparatus. Harris has her own staff, there are Obama aides in the mix, but the bulk of staff have been from Biden’s campaign. In other words, a Frankenstein campaign.
Axios reports tensions in the campaign. Though I think they may be overblowing it a bit. Previously, Biden’s campaign had been centralized around a few core trusted figures making big decisions, Mike Donilon, for example, was the main architect for messaging. Whereas now, because of the influx of new people, there are multiple power centers. Harris’ people have been wary making Biden’s people feel set aside which has led to some confusion. Though not necessarily at the top, confusion seems to be happening lower in the ranks. Whereas the Obama aides arrival have led to grumbling from Biden’s old team that they were second-guessing them.
Though it seems ramshackle, other sources think that the mad dash to the finish won’t allow any tensions to fester. It’s 68 days to the election, no one has time to let power plays get in the way of winning. Many Biden campaign aides are happy about the surge in enthusiasm that Harris has brought, with some conceding that Biden was less electable after the June debate.
I think it’s a bit overblown. Naturally there’s gonna be some tension when your candidate is suddenly replaced towards the end of the campaign. The speed at which they have to move will negate a lot of hurt feelings. Though I would suspect that some of this tension might re-surface in the transition team or in her potential cabinet. I also think that this analysis of the Harris Campaign will likely be fodder for any “What Went Wrong” books that come outta the woodwork should she lose.
Welcome to Thursday! Please be excellent to each other in the comments. The Mayor McSquirrel Rule remains in effect. Something to keep in mind! Police are using digital data to prosecute abortion seekers, and Facebook and Google are helping them! Even if they are not legally required to do so, the tech giants will aid them in this since it’s technically against the law. Please be careful when looking for abortion providers or helping someone who is looking for that assistance.
The Covid-19 pandemic continues even if the emergencies end, continue to vaccinate using the latest version of the FDA approved vaccines by Phizer and Moderna. Even if you are vaccinated, please continue to maintain social distancing measures, wear masks in public areas in accordance with CDC guidelines in regard to your own vaccination status.Also, according to recent polls approximately 50% of adults are not planning on getting their Covid-19 boosters. So please get them and older adults should also look to be vaccinated for RSV!