# Unexpected Enthusiasm for Harris? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** kamala-harris\ **Created:** [July 23, 2024, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685 "2024-07-23T13:20:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/203 "2024-07-24T20:10:22Z")
> [@Tride](#): > > We were just on a Zoom call with [Movement Voter Project](https://movement.vote/) which if you haven’t heard of it is a PAC specifically to support grass roots voter organizations. Thank you for your efforts ---
**Author:** ![Tride](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tride/32/13907_2.png) [@Tride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tride)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/204 "2024-07-24T20:14:24Z")
Voter turnout is going to decide this. The AZ organizer has already knocked on 450,000 doors. ---
**Author:** ![sciurophobic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cab0a1/32.png) [@sciurophobic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sciurophobic)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/205 "2024-07-24T20:20:42Z")
> [@CoolHandCox](#): > > I’d say the unexpected enthusiasm is more for “not Biden anymore” and less for Harris in particular. I find it hard to imagine an alternate timeline where the internet turns chartreuse because Charli XCX says “gavin is brat.” ---
**Author:** ![veryfrank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/87869e/32.png) [@veryfrank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/veryfrank)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/206 "2024-07-24T20:31:27Z")
> [@snowthx](#): > > Exactly. And when he goes on about “People are saying…” she should say “What people? Who?” and when he says “Polls are showing…” she should say “What polls? Where?” and when he says “Constitutional experts are saying…” she should say “Which ones? Who is saying that?” It’s high time someone makes him answer to these lies, since the media seems incapable of doing this. Harris seems right for this type of questioning. I loved it when Jen Psaki would do this, back when she was Biden’s press secretary. The stooge from Fox would ask some leading, dishonest question starting with “People are saying…” and she would, calmly and with a smile on her face, respond with something like “I haven’t heard that, but can you please tell me who’s saying this, so I can check?” It was great watching the guy stumble and try to keep it vague. Harris could totally pull it off, she’s just gotta stay as relaxed as possible, and let him fill in the silence after the question with his usual incoherent bluster. ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/207 "2024-07-24T21:00:38Z")
IS And I don’t think a guy can be brat anyways. Late: _I’m just fucking around. I get your underlying point and agree with it_. ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/208 "2024-07-24T21:14:58Z")
> [@eschrodinger](#): > > Harris should not in any way try to change her _laugh_. The criticism is, as I commented earlier, driven by misogyny–the desire to have women be quiet and demure in the realm of politics and other important ‘manly’ things. Not to mention the secret fear of being laughed at by a woman.\* My apologies. I have no idea if her laugh is in any way out of the ordinary and kind of accepted that if it was being criticised, it must be weird. I might not be impressed if she laughed like Elaine Paige: [https://youtu.be/-KPpD84bqfM?t=31](https://youtu.be/-KPpD84bqfM?t=31) ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/209 "2024-07-24T21:20:37Z")
> [@eschrodinger](#): > > #Make America LAUGH Again Oh, this the core of a great initialism! Maybe something like **KAMALA** = **K** amala’s **A** ptitude **M** akes **A** merica **L** augh **A** gain Hmm, is anyone selling blue hats printed with KAMALA? ---
**Author:** ![psychobunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/54ee81/32.png) [@psychobunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychobunny)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/210 "2024-07-24T21:25:51Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > Hmm, is anyone selling blue hats printed with KAMALA? Is this close enough? They come in blue. > **[Kamala 2024 Cap - Embroidered Hat](https://balanceofpower.com/collections/kamala-harris-for-president/products/kamala-2024-cap-embroidered-hat?variant=43683983589548)** > > Each hat is embroidered in the United States by small, "Mom-and-Pop" embroidery businesses. Several of them are women-owned small businesses. It's either Harris 2024 - or United States of America as we know it is done. Over. Kaput. If we don't want... ---
**Author:** ![psychobunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/54ee81/32.png) [@psychobunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychobunny)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/211 "2024-07-24T21:33:15Z")
The merch is out quick! The Joe Biden store is now all Kamala. I am seeing a lot of “,LA” and a lot of “Madame President” merch as well as a lot of LGBTA merch using her in different-colored suits to represent the various flags. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/212 "2024-07-24T21:35:36Z")
Here’s the official merchandise store. [Harris Victory Fund Webstore (kamalaharris.com)](https://store.kamalaharris.com/) ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/213 "2024-07-24T22:10:14Z")
I disagree that the whole surge is about Not Biden and it would have happened with just about anybody. I for one, would not feel a lick of enthusiasm for Newsom. And Buttigeig would make me really worry although I think he is very impressive. Others, few people have a read on. I wanted it to be Whitmer, but I am extremely happy with Harris. Her in particular. ---
**Author:** ![Aeschines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aeschines/32/16251_2.png) [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/214 "2024-07-24T22:16:24Z")
Right! I truly believe that not only was Harris the most obvious candidate, since she was VP, but she was easily also the best candidate. The best nexus of qualifications, experience, and charisma (which she is really showing right now–amazing!). And add on a further quality: _rightness for the times._ ---
**Author:** ![psychobunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/54ee81/32.png) [@psychobunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychobunny)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/215 "2024-07-24T22:39:27Z")
I think back to what Ted Kennedy apparently told Obama when he was wondering if it was too soon for him to run in 2008 “You don’t choose the time. The time chooses you” ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/216 "2024-07-24T22:55:16Z")
Standard _Yes Prime Minister_. ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2024, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/217 "2024-07-25T00:48:49Z")
If triumphalism equals enthusiasm, and it pretty much does, consider this from David Axelrod: [”About 10 percent too much triumphalism going on, and you know, it’s going to be a very difficult race…that excitement has got to be tempered with realism”](https://thehill.com/newsletters/evening-report/4791176-evening-report-democratic-enthusiasm-for-harris-tempered-by-realism/) Democrats are not helped by enthusiasm because the low turnout party is the GOP, and if lazy Republicans see Democratic enthusiasm, it will encourage them to vote. However, I see one advantage to enthusiasm for Kamala Harris. It should give her room to pivot to the center, should she wish, without losing too many base voters. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2024, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/218 "2024-07-25T00:51:56Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > Democrats are not helped by enthusiasm because the low turnout party is the GOP, and if lazy Republicans see Democratic enthusiasm, it will encourage them to vote. What kind of crazy garbage is this? If you try too hard in a contest you’ll lose because that just inspires your opponent? That’s not a strategy, that’s an excuse for not putting in the effort. It’s 100% good if people on the left are inspired to vote. For many months we’ve been told that the left is unmotivated and so Biden will lose. Now we hear they’re highly motivated and so Harris will lose. Ignore that completely illogical nonsense. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2024, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/219 "2024-07-25T00:52:17Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > ”About 10 percent too much triumphalism going on, and you know, it’s going to be a very difficult race…that excitement has got to be tempered with realism” Realism is fine. No question the race is important and will be difficult. But, I also think it is important to ride the wave. Get young people engaged now while they can. If you have momentum keep it going. Don’t pump the brakes now for no reason. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2024, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/220 "2024-07-25T01:00:39Z")
I endorse your entire post. ---
**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:** [July 25, 2024, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/221 "2024-07-25T01:23:37Z")
I just read today’s Sliver Bulletin (not written by Nate today. It was about that Biden’s bad polling had not pulled down Senate candidates and how the disconnect was so odd. Ticket splitting is rare now but in the swing states the Senate candidates were in the lead even as Biden was in the dumpster. Not stated explicitly but that gives me great optimism. Voters in those states are partial to the Democrat. They were answering in a split fashion out specific to Biden (maybe unfairly no matter). Harris should be able to be pulled up to their levels pretty easily. And if she does well may go further pulling them up further as well. Voters don’t like splitting tickets nowadays. ---
**Author:** ![griffin1977](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2024, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/222 "2024-07-25T01:33:29Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > [”About 10 percent too much triumphalism going on, and you know, it’s going to be a very difficult race…that excitement has got to be tempered with realism”](https://thehill.com/newsletters/evening-report/4791176-evening-report-democratic-enthusiasm-for-harris-tempered-by-realism/) > > Democrats are not helped by enthusiasm because the low turnout party is the GOP, and if lazy Republicans see Democratic enthusiasm, it will encourage them to vote. David Axelrod needs to stfu. Enthusiasm is nothing but a good thing. We are all aware that it’s still a difficult race to win, but seriously enthusiasm wins elections. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685.md?page=12)