How Kamala obtained her groove again

Within the quick time since Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race, one thing stunning has occurred. Kamala Harris seems extra enjoyable, extra secure and (dare I say) much less cringey than she has for the previous three or 4 years. 

This modification is obvious in her speeches, demeanor, her fundraising prowess (a proxy for pleasure) and her online meme game — TikTok videos of her dancing, and so forth.

On one hand, this transformation shouldn’t shock us; Harris was as soon as seen as a proficient rising star within the Democratic Social gathering. However since her failed 2020 main bid — and regardless of ascending to the extent of vice chairman — she has turn into one thing of a cringy punchline, with some comparing her to Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s hapless character in “Veep.”

As one conservative wag put it, “She comes throughout as dad’s new girlfriend attempting exhausting to be cool to the youngsters. It’s awkward each time.”

However immediately, she doesn’t look so awkward. In truth, she presents a captivating and youthful distinction in comparison with Biden and Donald Trump. 

To make certain, likability and authenticity are troublesome to quantify; however, like pornography, you already know it once you see it. And — for now, at the very least — I’m seeing it. 

Time will inform if others see this, too, however Trump’s pollster is already setting expectations for a “Harris Honeymoon” polling bump. Till then, the easiest way to measure it’s to show down the amount in your TV or telephone and watch physique language and facial expressions. What you’ll discover is that Harris looks like she’s having fun — and, for the primary time in months, Democratic boosters do too. 

Earlier than we go any additional, I ought to concede that this line of thought is totally superficial. To win in November, Harris must tackle necessary and substantive coverage points, starting from immigration to inflation to abortion. She will likely be stricken by questions like, “Why didn’t you inform us that Biden was so cognitively impaired?” 

Likewise, profitable campaigns should execute mundane logistical duties like elevating cash, microtargeting voter contact and organizing get-out-the-vote operations. Whereas important, these duties are decidedly much less horny. 

However we must be trustworthy and acknowledge that vibes now matter — presumably greater than something substantive. That is very true within the Trump period, the place politics has all however descended to highschool mockery and reigning cool cliques.

Maybe on this new period, each presidential candidate should possess a cult of character. “Dark Brandon” couldn’t compete in that milieu, however — to this point — Harris is slaying it.

The true query is whether or not she will keep this momentum. Which raises a deeper query: As soon as a damaging model narrative has been established, can politicians ever actually change or enhance their persona? 

We all know they will regress. I noticed Sarah Palin, having been thrust into the limelight, devolve right into a worse politician over time. Examine her dynamic and galvanizing 2008 Republican National Convention speech with any speech she gave over the previous dozen years, and also you’ll see what I imply. However can it go the opposite approach?

Harris has been lucky to have had nearly 4 years to develop and put together behind the scenes for a possible presidential run. To place it in phrases she may acknowledge, she didn’t simply fall out of a coconut tree. 

Positive, Biden sandbagged her by giving her some unimaginable jobs like mitigating the root causes of Central American migration. And sure, she was largely overshadowed by Biden (and Trump) and regarded an afterthought. 

However this additionally afforded Harris time to be taught, develop, and rediscover her voice. She had time to be introspective and mirror on her previous political errors. 

She additionally had time for the political period to vary. As others have famous, Harris was in all probability at her best in California when she may emphasize her expertise as a prosecutor. However by the point the 2020 Democratic primaries rolled round, Harris was, in the words of Nicole Allan, “working at a time when progressive voters have been uniquely centered on criminal-justice reform and suspicious of regulation enforcement.”

As we speak’s political surroundings may permit Kamala to be her genuine self once more. 

Harris might need additionally discovered what does and doesn’t work for her. I’d volunteer some (admittedly superficial) tweaks: 

· Have enjoyable, however don’t guffaw (it won’t be honest, however her chortle has spawned mockery and memes).

· Keep away from cliched or nonsensical phrase salad refrains and meaningless platitudes. Surrender the hovering rhetorical thrives, at the very least until November. 

· Skip the cynical deployment of identification politics — folks will know you’re making historical past with out you saying it.

If Harris could make these changes, decide a certified and competent working mate, look competent and robust — and keep away from being outlined and destroyed by Trump and his staff — she may put Democrats again within the recreation. 

Donald Trump is a grasp bully, so this combat received’t be straightforward. Kamala simply must shake it off and maintain it collectively for three-and-a-half months. It’s early but, however her new “eras tour” is off to a fantastic begin. 

Matt Okay. Lewis is a columnist, podcaster and writer of the books “Too Dumb to Fail” and “Filthy Rich Politicians.”