Much has been said about why Kamala Harris’s campaign failed. The underlying issue seems clear: Her strategy leaned heavily on flash, celebrity endorsements, and a coastal elite ideology — but all of those efforts failed to address the concerns of everyday Americans. Ultimately, her message didn’t resonate with the working and middle-class voters who formed the backbone of the electorate.

 The focus on polarizing social issues and hyperbolic rhetoric alienated many voters. For instance, Oprah Winfrey’s statement that failing to vote for Harris might mean “the last ballot you ever cast” struck many as over-the-top. Similarly, repeated claims labeling Trump a fascist and a Nazi failed to persuade undecided voters and damaged the campaign’s credibility.

A stark contrast emerged between the national conventions of the two parties. Trump’s convention emphasized the voices and perspectives of ordinary Americans, while Harris’s heavily featured celebrities and political elites. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz provided a rare bright spot at Harris’s convention with a heartfelt speech and the football team he coached, but such moments were few and far between.

The campaign’s lavish spending also drew criticism. Reports of $2.5 million paid to Oprah’s Harpo Productions for event production and six-figure costs to redo a podcast set highlighted a focus on optics over substance. These efforts dazzled Hollywood but failed to connect with families grappling with inflation or parents concerned about contentious cultural issues.

A Shift in Focus

Harris’s loss underscores broader challenges for Democrats. The party faces urgent questions about its alignment with working-class values, reliance on identity politics, and the dominance of establishment figures. Many argue for embracing fresh, authentic leaders who can connect with voters across the nation—not just on the coasts or among college-educated elites.

For Republicans, Harris’s defeat presents an opportunity, but the task ahead is daunting. Governing effectively will require prioritizing solutions to economic challenges, job creation, and affordability for essentials like housing and energy. The voters want results, not rhetoric.

Kamala Harris’s Missteps and a Path Forward

Harris also faced challenges within the Biden Administration. As the administration’s immigration czar, she was assigned a politically fraught and nearly impossible task. With the dismantling of Trump-era immigration policies and no commitment to securing the border, her role seemed destined for failure. Predictably, the lack of results left her open to criticism.

Harris’s retreat from public engagement during her vice presidency also compounded the problem. She also flip-flopped on significant issues while failing to distance herself from the mistakes of the Biden Administration. Opportunities for interviews, town halls, and consistent public appearances were missed. Following her strong debate with Trump, Harris seemed to vanish from the public eye. When her team finally re-engaged, it was too late to turn the tide. 

At 60, Harris has time to rebuild her political career, but success will require a renewed focus on preparation, communication, and acquiring some level of authenticity. Hiding her laughter and word salads behind a message of “joy” was ridiculous. No one bought that for a minute. 

The skills she displayed during her debate with Trump must become the norm. To reconnect with voters, Harris must sharpen her messaging, practice relentlessly, and address public concerns with confidence and clarity.

 Every politician faces setbacks. For Harris, retreating, reflecting, and returning stronger will be critical. Her ability to listen, adapt, and rebuild trust with voters will determine whether she can write a successful next chapter in her political journey.

***

Hector Barajas is a nationally recognized expert in public affairs and public relations and a political and legislative analyst for Univision and Telemundo. www.Amplify360inc.com

At Amplify360, we are the trusted voice for trade associations, companies, and nonprofits. We navigate California’s complex legislative and regulatory landscape, translating our clients’ priorities into compelling narratives that resonate with legislators, regulators, and the public. We craft tailored messaging, find the right communication channels, and relentlessly advocate for our clients’ causes.

We transform complexity into clarity and challenges into opportunities.