DiscoverThe New Yorker Radio HourWhat Kamala Harris Needs to Win the Presidency, from a Veteran of Hillary Clinton’s Campaign
What Kamala Harris Needs to Win the Presidency, from a Veteran of Hillary Clinton’s Campaign

What Kamala Harris Needs to Win the Presidency, from a Veteran of Hillary Clinton’s Campaign

Update: 2024-07-263
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Digest

This podcast delves into the political landscape surrounding Kamala Harris's potential presidential candidacy. It begins by discussing the dynamics surrounding Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race and Harris's emergence as a frontrunner. The podcast then examines Harris's strengths and weaknesses as a candidate, highlighting her political talent and the challenges she faces in overcoming negative media coverage. It also explores the unique challenges women face in politics, particularly in the context of the 2016 Hillary Clinton campaign, emphasizing the importance of showing strength and vulnerability. The podcast further examines the potential for attacks on Harris based on her identity and political positions, discussing the need for her to push back against these attacks while maintaining a strong and confident stance. It also explores the shift in the Democratic Party towards a more female-centric identity, analyzing the reasons behind this change and its implications for the 2024 election. The podcast concludes by discussing the significance of fundraising in political campaigns, particularly in the context of Harris's early success in raising $100 million, and offering advice to Harris from a seasoned political strategist.

Outlines

00:00:16
The Rise of Kamala Harris: A New Democratic Standard Bearer

This chapter examines the political dynamics surrounding Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race and the emergence of Kamala Harris as a potential Democratic nominee. It explores the roles of key figures like Nancy Pelosi, Barack Obama, and the Clintons in influencing Biden's decision and the factors that propelled Harris to the forefront.

00:08:02
Kamala Harris: A Candidate Under Scrutiny

This chapter delves into the potential of Kamala Harris as a presidential candidate, examining her strengths and weaknesses. It discusses the anti-Trump coalition, Harris's political talent, and the challenges she faces in overcoming negative media coverage and perceptions of her as a "DEI candidate."

00:13:57
Navigating the Political Landscape: Women in Power

This chapter focuses on the unique challenges women face in politics, particularly in the context of the 2016 Hillary Clinton campaign. It explores the importance of showing strength and vulnerability, the impact of media coverage, and the need for women to credential themselves to gain credibility and overcome gender-based biases.

00:24:14
Facing the Storm: Kamala Harris and the Potential for Attacks

This chapter examines the potential for attacks on Kamala Harris based on her identity and political positions. It discusses the use of terms like "Jezebel" and the need for Harris to push back against these attacks while maintaining a strong and confident stance, highlighting the importance of strategic communication and resilience in the face of adversity.

00:26:06
The Democratic Party: A Shift Towards Female Leadership

This chapter explores the shift in the Democratic Party towards a more female-centric identity, analyzing the reasons behind this change and its implications for the 2024 election. It discusses the role of women in power, the historical context, and the potential for a more diverse and inclusive leadership within the party.

Keywords

Kamala Harris


Kamala Harris is an American politician who served as the 49th Vice President of the United States from 2021 to 2023. She is the first woman, first African American, and first Asian American to hold the office.

Joe Biden


Joe Biden is an American politician who served as the 46th President of the United States from 2021 to 2023. He previously served as the 47th Vice President from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama.

Nancy Pelosi


Nancy Pelosi is an American politician who served as the 52nd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. She is the first woman to hold the position.

Barack Obama


Barack Obama is an American politician who served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017. He was the first African American to be elected to the presidency.

Hillary Clinton


Hillary Clinton is an American politician who served as the 67th United States Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013. She was the Democratic nominee for President of the United States in 2016.

Donald Trump


Donald Trump is an American politician who served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. He is a controversial figure known for his business career and reality television appearances.

DEI


DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It refers to efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive environment in organizations and society.

Jezebel


Jezebel was the Phoenician queen of Israel in the 9th century BC. She is depicted in the Bible as a wicked and manipulative woman who led the Israelites into idolatry.

Q&A

  • What were the key factors that led to Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race?

    Biden's decision was influenced by a combination of factors, including pressure from key Democratic figures like Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama, concerns about his age and health, and declining poll numbers.

  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of Kamala Harris as a presidential candidate?

    Harris is a talented politician with a strong record of accomplishment, but she faces challenges in overcoming negative media coverage and perceptions of her as a "DEI candidate."

  • How can Kamala Harris effectively address the attacks she is likely to face from the Trump campaign?

    Harris needs to push back against these attacks with confidence and strength, reminding voters of her accomplishments and the contrast between her and Trump's record.

  • What is the significance of Kamala Harris's early fundraising success?

    Harris's ability to raise $100 million in a short period indicates strong enthusiasm and support for her candidacy, which could translate into votes in the election.

  • What are the key pieces of advice that a seasoned political strategist would give to Kamala Harris?

    Harris should stay true to her strengths, tell her story, build a strong team, and focus on the contrast between her and Trump's record.

Show Notes

Kamala Harris will face barriers as a woman running for the Presidency. “Women constantly have to credential themselves,” Jennifer Palmieri, a veteran of Democratic politics who served in the Clinton Administration, says. She was also the director of communications for the Obama White House, and then for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 Presidential campaign. Harris will “need to remind people of what she has done in her career and what she’s done as Vice-President, because people assume that women haven’t accomplished anything.” But Harris also has notable strengths as a candidate, and, having avoided a bruising primary campaign—and having been handed a torch from the incumbent—she has advantages that no other woman running for office has had. For a woman candidate, the world has changed since 2016, Palmieri believes. She shares insights into how Joe Biden was finally persuaded to step out of the race, and explains what she meant by advising women to “nod less and cry more.”

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What Kamala Harris Needs to Win the Presidency, from a Veteran of Hillary Clinton’s Campaign

What Kamala Harris Needs to Win the Presidency, from a Veteran of Hillary Clinton’s Campaign

WNYC Studios and The New Yorker