In a recent CNN segment, a disturbing truth within the Democratic Party was unveiled. Party representatives suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris doesn’t need to disclose her policy positions because, in their view, Americans “don’t vote on policy.”
This stance reveals a deeply concerning attitude that underestimates the intelligence and civic engagement of the American people.
The discussion on CNN’s “The Lead” centered around criticism of Harris for going over a month without a formal interview, press conference, or policy discussion. Instead of addressing these valid concerns, some Democrats offered a troubling justification for this lack of transparency.
Georgia Rep. Nikema Williams claimed, “I haven’t heard from many voters looking for white papers and policy papers, what they wanted here is what her vision is for this country.” This statement begs the question: How can voters understand a candidate’s vision without knowing their specific policy plans?
Even more alarming was Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly’s blunt assertion that “The American people don’t vote on policy prescriptions.” This view seems to suggest that voters are incapable of understanding or caring about the details that will directly affect their lives.
Michigan Rep. Dan Kildee attempted to soften this stance slightly, stating, “I actually think the way the American people think about this choice is less about the minutia of policy and more about the direction of the country… and secondly, about the person, the character.” While character is undoubtedly important, it’s concerning that policy is relegated to “minutia” in this perspective.
Dems say Kamala Harris shouldn’t worry about detailing her policy prescriptions.
“Elizabeth Warren had a policy for every issue you could imagine. Remember, I got a policy for that. And how did she do?” Connolly told me pic.twitter.com/LoU8ajeNIN
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) August 22, 2024
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This dismissive attitude towards policy discussion is not only insulting to voters but also potentially harmful to the democratic process. It implies that elections should be based on vague notions of “vibes” rather than substantive debates about how to address the nation’s challenges.
The official Harris-Walz campaign website, as of the time of reporting, lacked any specific policy information. This absence of clear policy positions, combined with Harris’s avoidance of interviews, paints a picture of a campaign more focused on image than substance.
This also left a hole for the Trump campaign to sweep in and put forth a policy website on Harris’ behalf that was less than flattering.
CNN anchor Erin Burnett even questioned whether Harris was “better off ignoring any calls to sit down for interviews or explain her policies.” This suggestion that a candidate for high office might benefit from avoiding policy discussions is deeply troubling.
The Democratic Party’s apparent strategy of prioritizing “vibes” over policy substance does a disservice to the American people. It assumes that voters are incapable of engaging with complex issues, when in reality, many Americans are deeply concerned about specific policies that affect their daily lives.
This approach to politics – treating elections as popularity contests rather than serious debates about the future of the country – is fundamentally undemocratic. It risks creating a political landscape where style trumps substance, and where voters are expected to make decisions based on incomplete information.
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The American people deserve – and are capable of understanding – detailed plans for addressing the nation’s challenges. Anything less is a failure of leadership and a disservice to democracy.
