# Kamala Harris and the runup to the 2024 Presidential Election {No more on Guns} **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** kamala-harris\ **Created:** [July 22, 2024, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571 "2024-07-22T00:39:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 22
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/421 "2024-08-12T13:02:35Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > What exactly - in terms of Presidentin’ - do you believe should keep him off the campaign trail? Whatever crisis pops up tomorrow that no one has any idea about on the street? Being President is one of if not the hardest job in the world, and he’s not a young man. Calls are fine, but I’d rather have him in the White House getting stuff done rather than holding a rally in, say, Scranton. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/422 "2024-08-12T13:10:02Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > My concern is, how does his age/apparent frailty sell? I watched his interview yesterday on CBS Sunday Morning. His frailty, I believe, is growing worse by the day. Frankly, I’m not sure what his presence would add to what’s right now a very enthusiastic campaign. I think the Dems would be better served to let him sit this one out, or maybe ‘appear’ via a recorded video message. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/423 "2024-08-12T13:11:26Z")
Well, if a crisis pops up, how quickly does he have to do exactly what - that he can’t do via the communications available on AF1 as he jets back to the WH? Or should he move a cot into the oval office, just to be ready? ---
**Author:** ![TeroSunbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terosunbear/32/14748_2.png) [@TeroSunbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeroSunbear)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/424 "2024-08-12T13:20:17Z")
Biden, who can’t finish sentences, finished a bike ride in DE a few days ago. It was on Threads and Tiktok. ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/425 "2024-08-12T13:21:34Z")
Not sure where to ask this but … I’ve been invited via LinkedIn to join “a Discord for writers, designers, marketers and others with key skills who want to help save democracy and elect Kamala Harris.” Is this legit? Does anyone have experience with something like this? It completely matches my skillset. I’d share a link but I’m wary of clicking it. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/426 "2024-08-12T13:22:08Z")
My point is that he only has so much time and energy, and it should be better spent creating good headlines that Kamala can use on her campaign rather than flying all over the country. If there’s evidence that having Biden show up helps her significantly, then I’ll happily say I’m wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/427 "2024-08-12T13:35:14Z")
Absolutely he should save his energy for Presidenting. But that doesn’t mean that he should do no campaigning at all for Harris. If he literally did none at all, that would make it look like he has no confidence in her. But there’s a vast excluded middle, there. He could do a small handful of campaign events, to show his confidence, while still doing far fewer than he would if he himself were the candidate. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/428 "2024-08-12T13:44:17Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > But there’s a vast excluded middle, there. Yeah. Apologies if I did not make clear that that is what I was suggesting. Figured a limited number of high value appearances would be worthwhile, but definitely not an extended whistle-stop. Even for an octogenarian, I question how much wear and tear it would be to travel via helicopter to an airport, after which you can nap on AF1, jet to PA (or wherever reasonably close) take a limo to an event. Take a nap. Limo/jet to another event, then nap on your way back to AF1 for another nap before you get home to the WH in time for your pre-dinner nap. ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/429 "2024-08-12T13:46:20Z")
538’s average is now +1 in PA. +2 in WI, and +3 in MI Their forecast model still isn’t up yet. ---
**Author:** ![Biffster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biffster/32/339_2.png) [@Biffster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffster)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/430 "2024-08-12T14:12:12Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Absolutely he should save his energy for Presidenting. But that doesn’t mean that he should do no campaigning at all for Harris. If he literally did none at all, that would make it look like he has no confidence in her. But there’s a vast excluded middle, there. He could do a small handful of campaign events, to show his confidence, while still doing far fewer than he would if he himself were the candidate. Exactement, as the French would say. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/431 "2024-08-12T14:26:05Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > My concern is, how does his age/apparent frailty sell? He did fine with the announcement of the prisoner exchange, including the appearance of an ad lib line response regarding Trump claiming he could have gotten them without anything given (of course at the ready in advance). He would do fine for a few rallies preaching to his fans. Could he handle Gaza hecklers? That is more my concern. I hope an Israel Gaza ceasefire doesn’t wait for October. For many reasons. But even politically - get the issue off the table as much as possible as early as possible. These threads blur together but I think comments regarding media annoyance at no press conferences belong here? Stage one is to get out and define the Harris Walz team in their own messaging terms. Followed by the convention. Press conferences are more risky. They _are_ of great value to voters though for the very reason they are risky: the candidate is asked specific questions that they do not control and can be seen to either not answer (Trump approach) or get pinned down with specifics that will never make everyone happy. She will need to prep for that. Conveniently mostly the same prep that will be needed for the first debate. So press conferences should start a week after the convention and be a form of debate warm up. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/432 "2024-08-12T14:35:10Z")
> [@Akaj](#): > > Not sure where to ask this but … > > I’ve been invited via LinkedIn to join “a Discord for writers, designers, marketers and others with key skills who want to help save democracy and elect Kamala Harris.” > > Is this legit? Does anyone have experience with something like this? It completely matches my skillset. > > I’d share a link but I’m wary of clicking it. Do you trust the entity inviting you? Discord is a standard communication platform. It supports both chat and audio/video. It was originally designed for gamers, and like many other online platforms, it took off during the pandemic. I am a member of about two dozen discord servers, some i visit regularly, and some i barely touch. Anyway, “discord” is legit. Whether the link you got is actually a discord invitation is hard to tell, but if it is, joining a discord server is pretty harmless. (worst case, you can leave. Second worst, you can mute notifications.) If it’s actually a discord server for people working to elect Harris, it might be fun and energizing to join, even if you don’t accomplish anything. ---
**Author:** ![nate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nate/32/13085_2.png) [@nate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nate)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/433 "2024-08-12T14:38:17Z")
I swear to god if I hear the word ‘joy’ one more time from the Harris campaign I’m gonna puke. I mean good job on getting the appearance of enthusiasm out in the zeitgeist, but eventually there needs to be some substance. …and I say this as a Kamala supporter. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/434 "2024-08-12T14:51:33Z")
Agreed. Use his campaign stops where they will do the most good. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/435 "2024-08-12T14:54:16Z")
Harris is on the TIME cover, and there’s some interesting info in the article about how she tied up the nomination so quickly; not a Dem-media conspiracy, but old-fashioned retail politics: > [@](#): > > During those travels, Harris’ team assembled a spreadsheet of allies, power brokers, and potential delegates to tap if and when the time came. Every photo line, every VIP invitation, every clutch with labor leaders, every meeting with key constituencies was filed away. The goal, advisers say, was to ensure there would be [allies](https://time.com/7007776/kamala-harris-lotus-potus-south-asian-women/) on every delegate slate in every state in the nation. “We had a list,” says one top aide, “and we checked it twice.” > > The list was intended for 2028. But when Biden dropped out on July 21 and quickly endorsed Harris, it was instantly pressed into service. The Vice President—clad in a [Howard University](https://time.com/7002871/kamala-harris-speech-black-sorority/) sweatshirt, munching pizza with anchovies—spent the next 10 hours on the phone, dialing delegates and wrangling endorsements. A day later, the nomination was all but hers. Even though other presidential hopefuls had ties to swing states or big donors, “the list was the thing that we had that they didn’t,” says a top aide. “It wasn’t a fairy godmother waving a magic wand.” > **[The Reintroduction of Kamala Harris](https://time.com/7009317/reintroduction-of-kamala-harris/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_term=politics_elections&linkId=544645583)** > > The Vice President's star turn atop the new Democratic ticket has reshaped the presidential race. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/436 "2024-08-12T15:01:40Z")
> [@nate](#): > > I mean good job on getting the appearance of enthusiasm out in the zeitgeist, but eventually there needs to be some substance. I’m hearing substance. Maybe light on specifics, but that’s par for the course of a campaign. It’s certainly more than just “joy.” ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/437 "2024-08-12T15:02:34Z")
And let us not forget those of us at home that are saying “Relief” as things were looking bleak before the candidate switch. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/438 "2024-08-12T15:09:26Z")
Vice President Harris likes anchovies? That’s it, I’m donating some more $$$. She’s the real deal! ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/439 "2024-08-12T15:13:56Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > Maybe light on specifics, but that’s par for the course of a campaign. It is really a goal for a campaign! The more everyone can project their specifics on to you the better. Every specific is something that someone will find problems with, that makes some number of people unhappy. Choose your specifics carefully. Very carefully. For Obama it was “hope” and “change”. He was actually pretty much solid centrist but he had other specifics projected onto him. She is “joy” and “not going back.” The more you can get away with “details to follow” the better. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-harris-and-the-runup-to-the-2024-presidential-election-no-more-on-guns/1004571/440 "2024-08-12T15:21:41Z")
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