Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota are running a contentious campaign that relies heavily on labeling the “other” as part of their strategy to garner support from Democratic voters, though it is unlikely to appeal to independents. The word “joy” has been used to describe this campaign; however, a more fitting descriptor would be “relief,” with many expressing relief that President Joe Biden has stepped aside.
The underlying sentiment driving this campaign can be characterized as contempt. Harris’ stump speech, delivered verbatim at every campaign stop, includes the tagline: “I know Donald Trump’s type.” What is this “type” she refers to? She paints a picture of various criminal categories but ultimately argues that we should be able to stereotype Trump based on his alleged affiliations. This argument seems odd for someone who has capitalized on her membership in various minority and oppressed groups, such as being black, Indian, and female. Nevertheless, it is part of a strategy employed by an elitist who attended private schools throughout most of her life and has enjoyed political success based on connections to powerful insiders and donors.
Governor Walz apparently coined the term “weird” to describe former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH. It is unclear what makes them “weird,” aside from Vance’s white, Christian, working-class identity, a characteristic that suggests residents of America’s heartland are now viewed by coastal elites as departing from the American norm. The term “weird” requires no further explanation; those labeled as such are simply to be shunned.
Peggy Noonan, not a Trump supporter herself, noted in the Wall Street Journal: “Walz always gets personal. He looks as if he likes Trump voters. But listening to him this week, I thought: He doesn’t, not at all.” As such, the Democratic ticket is running on a strategy that encourages supporters to stereotype and marginalize those on the other side. Historically, this has been a losing strategy, as demonstrated by Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign and her infamous attack on the “alt-right.
Successful campaigns typically aim to broaden their appeal rather than encouraging supporters to close ranks. However, Harris and Walz are betting that rallying Democrats alone will be sufficient for victory. This approach may not resonate with independent voters, but only time will tell if this strategy pays off for the Democratic ticket.