Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent statements at The New York Times DealBook Summit have garnered significant attention and criticism, especially from those holding a critical view of the Biden administration. In her attempt to highlight the administration’s achievements, Harris claimed that “not since Eisenhower have we seen this kind of investment in America.” However, her comments seem to be at odds with the palpable impact of inflation and financial strain felt by many Americans. The administration’s spending has been linked to rising inflation, affecting everyday expenses for many people, including groceries and interest rates on loans, making homeownership increasingly challenging.
When questioned about President Joe Biden’s age, Harris deflected concerns by discussing his leadership qualities. However, this response clashes with public observations of Biden’s frequent verbal gaffes and apparent disorientation during public appearances. Harris’s portrayal of Biden as a decisive and authoritative leader seems to be a strategic narrative, possibly designed to counteract public perceptions of his cognitive abilities.
Harris also gave a controversial answer regarding Israel, avoiding a direct response when asked if Israel was adhering to the rules of war. This evasion highlights the Biden administration’s delicate balancing act between supporting Israel and not alienating the progressive left, which often criticizes Israel’s actions.
Additionally, Harris made a contentious statement about Russia’s interference in the 2016 election. While it’s established that Russia engaged in disinformation campaigns and social media manipulation, there’s no evidence to suggest this significantly altered the election’s outcome. Harris’s assertion appears to be an attempt to appeal to those who believe Russian interference played a major role in the 2016 election.
Kamala Harris on overwhelming concerns over Biden's stamina:
"It is important we not be seduced into one of the only arguments that that side of the aisle has right now on this issue in a way that is intended to distract from the accomplishments!" pic.twitter.com/QZQnfKV6pl
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) November 29, 2023
On the border issue, Harris blamed the Trump administration for the current challenges while calling for bipartisanship, which some might view as hypocritical given the Democrats’ staunch criticism of Trump’s border policies. Her refusal to engage with questions about TikTok’s potential security concerns, coupled with her laughter, was seen as dismissive, given the seriousness of the issue.
In summary, Vice President Kamala Harris’ statements at the summit have been criticized for their apparent disconnect from reality, perceived evasiveness, and partisan spin, contributing to a perception of her as an unreliable and unconvincing figure by those critical of the current administration.
Author: Blake Ambrose