In a season filled with gratitude and reflection, Vice President Kamala Harris recently delivered a Thanksgiving message that raised more eyebrows than it inspired warm feelings. Many were quick to point out her odd phrasing and lack of enthusiasm after a lengthy vacation in Hawaii. It seems that Harris, now back in the political spotlight, still carries the heavy burden of an electoral defeat—one so profound that some believe it could have shifted the very fabric of the nation had she been a little more fortunate on that fateful day in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Upon her return, instead of a simple and heartfelt “Happy Thanksgiving,” Harris opted for a quirky twist, encouraging folks to be around “the people you love and who love you” while oddly referring to families in unconventional terms. Perhaps Harris was trying too hard to be inclusive, but her words came off as more of a word salad fit for a parody than an actual Thanksgiving greeting. After such a monumental loss just weeks before, one could have expected a message filled with humility and hope, yet she ventured into the territory of political correctness that left many wondering if anyone could truly follow her train of thought.
During her message intended for campaign staff, the Vice President appeared to be in a less-than-ideal state, and her speech seemed off-kilter. Social media lit up as viewers noted her somewhat slurred words. It begged the question: Was this a sign of the stress and exhaustion from her campaign, or perhaps her Hawaiian getaway didn’t offer the rejuvenation one would hope for? Regardless, the optics were not favorable for someone who is supposed to embody the spirit of leadership.
While conveying her gratitude to fellow Democrats, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris attempted to frame her campaign as a noble fight for dignity and inclusion. Yet, many observers couldn’t help but roll their eyes. The same governor who apparently championed lockdowns during COVID-19 and pushed policies on gender sensitivity was hailed for his leadership by a Vice President applying her spin doctor skills too hard. The juxtaposition of the two only highlighted the disconnect between Harris’s perception of success and the reality Americans have experienced under her administration.
As she went on to outline her achievements and vision for the future, Harris expressed pride in raising a whopping $1.4 billion for her campaign, a feat that is hard to swallow given its outcome. This amount, spent in rapid succession, did not yield a favorable response from voters across critical battleground states, raising questions about whether her legacy in politics is more about financial prowess than actual leadership. Despite her glowing self-assessment, the stark reality is that Americans voted for change—a clear rejection of her approach, leaving her campaign nearly $20 million in debt.
With the air thick with disbelief and distrust, the question arises: What’s next for Kamala Harris? With murmurs of a potential run for governor of California or another attempt at the presidency in 2028, one can’t help but think she might need a new playbook. The American people have spoken, and that mighty message may not be as easily brushed aside as her Thanksgiving message. It seems the political road ahead for Harris won’t be paved with the joy she proclaimed, but with hard truths and a nation that is clearly moving in a different direction.
