The Freedom Message that Missed the Mark

Daniel Combi, S11, highlights Kamala Harris’ election challenges and explains how America has ended up where it is today

Following Joe Biden’s sudden withdrawal from the 2024 U.S. election campaign due to a notably poor debate performance, Kamala Harris emerged with a compelling message centred on “Freedom.” She committed to fostering a future characterized by equality, justice, and opportunity for every American. With an unparalleled level of campaign financing at her disposal, she was poised to reach a significant milestone in the electoral landscape. However, despite the substantial financial backing available to her, her presidential bid ultimately did not meet anticipated outcomes. While Harris’ ambitious vision faced challenges in gaining traction, the formidable presence of Donald Trump loomed large, reshaping the political landscape in ways that countered and neutralized her message, leaving her campaign vulnerable. In this article, I’ll delve into the missteps, strategic failures, and the role Trump’s influence played in undermining Harris’ path to the White House.

Kamala Harris’ campaign focused on the theme of “Freedom,” portraying her as a champion of various rights, including reproductive rights, voting rights, and the principles of democracy. Nevertheless, although this message appealed to her primary supporters, it was perceived as overly ambiguous by a significant number of voters, particularly in key swing states. Her message lacked a clear connection to the immediate concerns of everyday Americans, particularly around pressing economic issues like inflation, healthcare, and jobs. For many working-class voters, “Freedom” felt like a distraction to the challenges these voters faced daily. This disconnect, combined with her focus on the dangers of Trumpism, failed to build the broad momentum her campaign needed to succeed.

Kamala Harris’ 2024 campaign, marked as one of the most financially intensive in U.S. history, with an expenditure of $1.5 billion on advertising and community engagement, but it faced challenges in gaining momentum despite its substantial financial backing. Prominent advertisements, such as those displayed on the Sphere in Las Vegas, did not yield a significant return on investment, particularly in states like California, where a win was guaranteed but did not impact the overall electoral landscape. The campaign also struggled to resonate with crucial demographics, notably younger male voters, a segment that Donald Trump effectively engaged through targeted online strategies, including appearances on platforms such as TikTok and the Joe Rogan Podcast. Ultimately, Harris’ focus on financial resources rather than a compelling message, coupled with a lack of authentic voter connection, hindered her ability to transform fundraising achievements into widespread support.

One of the biggest obstacles to Kamala Harris’ campaign was the persistent shadow of Donald Trump. Despite being impeached twice and entangled in legal challenges, Trump’s 2024 return as the Republican frontrunner reignited his base with a force that Harris struggled to counter. Many voters saw her as an extension of the Biden administration, which had faced criticism for its handling of inflation, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, and the chaotic evacuation of American troops in Afghanistan. Trump’s dominance over the political conversation often left Harris on the defensive, reacting to his narrative rather than shaping her own. Additionally, the two assassination attempts on Trump only added to the chaos of the campaign, leaving Harris to navigate an even more volatile political landscape. This meant that Harris’ path forward remained obscured by the formidable influence of Trump’s presence in the race.

Kamala Harris’ 2024 campaign ultimately failed to capitalize on its extensive financial backing, with her “Freedom” message struggling to resonate with key voters. Shockingly, despite predictions of a tight race, Harris failed to win any swing states, and her inability to connect with crucial demographics, including Black Male and Hispanic voters, proved damaging. Biden’s late withdrawal inadvertently cost her campaign momentum, and Harris’ association with the current administration further alienated potential voters. In the end, despite celebrity endorsements, Kamala Harris’ vision of freedom was drowned out by the loudest voice in American politics: Donald Trump.