1) Is it a bump or a genuine shift? Nearly one week after Biden's exit from the race most polls show Harris performing better than Biden, so much so that in some she's running neck-n-neck with Trump or even leading him by a point of two. But is this a mini-honeymoon for Harris (who is apparently perceived by many low information voters as a refreshing newcomer) or is it a definitive shift? Will the initial boost that Harris received prove solid or will it fizzle?
2) Can she cover her tracks? Harris doesn't want people to know that she's actually a far-left California progressive. Her words and her record all point to that but, with the media's help, she's furtively busy trying to erase all evidence of prior polices and utterances. In the age of social media this can be quite a challenge but don't underestimate the power of the menacing juggernaut the Democrats have assembled.
3) Can the GOP define her? Why the Republican National Convention didn't continually refer to the Biden administration as the Biden-Harris administration remains a mystery. Surely they knew a switch was imminent if not already brokered. Now, it's catch up time and they must hammer home Kamala's cackles, her indecipherable word salads and her failed record. She must be vividly defined as the dangerous leftist she really is. And this must be done quickly, effectively and relentlessly.
4) Who will she run with? Who she picks as her running mate is critical for Harris as it can determine whether the Democrat party solidly unites behind her or begins to fracture. Even a small fissure at this point can make the difference between victory and defeat and progressives can be very finicky. Her best bet would be to pick a beige running mate -- a non-controversial white male who will do no harm.
5) What about the debates? Harris is a former prosecutor. She wants to debate and she will be prepared. Yes, she may stumble but this isn't Trump vs Biden. She's younger and she will have her wits about her. Plus, she's a woman, the media will be cheering her on and she (and they) will not hesitate to play the gender card. Translation: all she has to do is perform reasonably well to be declared the winner.
One hundred days is a lifetime in politics and nobody really knows what will happen next.
But the answers to these five questions will go a long way toward determining the outcome of this election. Take a quick, deep breath America -- and expect the unexpected.
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