# 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:** 2
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/23 "2024-07-23T14:43:58Z")
I think some of it is enthusiasm for Harris personally; some of it is enthusiasm for the idea of electing a clearly mixed-race woman; and a lot of it is massive relief that the Democratic party isn’t going to spend the rest of the election season arguing about who the candidate is going to be, while the Republicans spend it running clips of various Democrats saying that the candidate isn’t competent. And I think some of it is this: > [@Moriarty](#): > > she’s a jolt of optimism in an otherwise miserable presidential race ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/24 "2024-07-23T14:45:52Z")
I will admit I was hesitant on the idea of forcing Biden to drop out. Mainly because he was very popular among Black Americans and from what I understand they pushed him really hard in the 2020 and 2024 primaries. I did not want the Dems to go against the Black American vote. But now that I see they are rallying around Harris? I am super pumped. I also am seeing online a lot of women who were previously “meh” on Biden say they are not only excited but energized and ready to Get Out The Vote. That’s what the left needed, more people to drag other people to the polls. So, with Black Americans and women and especially Black American women on our side, I’m quite enthusiastic! ---
**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:** [July 23, 2024, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/25 "2024-07-23T14:48:08Z")
@thorny_locust, I like your post and would add: _Relief I don’t have to vote for 81 year old to be POTUS_. I think this is more common than some would think. The younger members of my family and their friends hated the idea of voting for someone that to them was too old and I agree. It really sapped the enthusiasm for younger voters. ---
**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 23, 2024, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/26 "2024-07-23T14:57:47Z")
I feel like most of the enthusiasm is relief, though that may just be me. But stuck in my head is the memory that she was being outpolled by Buttigieg and Bloomberg when she dropped out of the 2020 primaries. Actually, thinking more, my enthusiasm isn’t as much relief as delight at everyone else’s enthusiasm. ---
**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:** [July 23, 2024, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/27 "2024-07-23T15:00:43Z")
Think of it this way. She just had an almost 4 year intensive training for the job. She is far more qualified for President now than 4 years ago. I also think she has been more active in the Senate than almost any other sitting VP. But I could be wrong. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/28 "2024-07-23T15:07:06Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > I also think she has been more active in the Senate than almost any other sitting VP. But I could be wrong. **[Harris has the most tie-breaking votes in the Senate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tie-breaking_votes_cast_by_the_vice_president_of_the_United_States)** of any Vice-President ever (33). In the modern era, Mike Pence had 13 such votes in four years. Dick Cheney had eight in eight years. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/29 "2024-07-23T15:08:19Z")
I’d vote for the reanimated corpse of Richard Nixon before Trump. > [@Maserschmidt](#): > > my enthusiasm isn’t as much relief as delight at everyone else’s enthusiasm. I’m with you on this. A few days ago I was bummed that Biden withdrew, fearing a Democrat goat rodeo to select a candidate. Now, Harris has support from Biden, enthusiastic support from Democrats, is apparently fundraising like mad, and I’m feeling a whole lot better about the situation. ---
**Author:** ![AnalogSignal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/analogsignal/32/1085_2.png) [@AnalogSignal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnalogSignal)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/30 "2024-07-23T15:10:24Z")
I am so happy Biden stepped back. Every sentence was a struggle for him. A complete, coherent paragraph almost never happened, or if it did happen, you couldn’t hear what he said. It’s painful to watch Biden forgetting names, looking lost or walking slowly across a stage. It was clearly time for him to retire. Suddenly we have a prosecutor who can walk, talk, dance(!), and make forceful, coherent arguments. I didn’t love Kamala in 2020 but she’s exactly what we need right now. I am coconut-pilled and fired up. 🥥 ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/31 "2024-07-23T15:15:50Z")
indeed! she had good moves. i believe she will have the same youth enthusiasm as obama had. obama is just 3 years older than harris. i like that she is leaning into the “brat” and “laugh”. the gop may go on a bit about her laugh… just proves she has a good sense of humour. something the gop is very much lacking. ---
**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 23, 2024, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/32 "2024-07-23T15:18:17Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > I’ve said before, I REALLY liked her on paper, but for whatever reason, she turned me off during the debates. FWIW, Trump is already signalling he won’t debate Harris. > **[Donald Trump Doubles Down On Plans To Dodge Next Presidential Debate](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/donald-trump-debate-abc-news-kamala-harris_n_669f4f46e4b008fc7de1d957)** > > The former president took a shot at ABC News, which is set to host the debate in September. ---
**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:** [July 23, 2024, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/33 "2024-07-23T15:31:42Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > FWIW, Trump is already signalling he won’t debate Harris. Hilarious. He’ll be desperate for ways to appear relevant by September. I’m really enjoying his meltdowns again. > [@Happy\_Lendervedder](#): > > What’s remarkable is how Gen Z has embraced her. I don’t know who is Gen Z or something else, but my kids, in their early 30s are stoked. They are progressive and soured on Biden over Gaza. I’m not sure Harris would be any different in that regard, but they’re so excited now about this campaign. I think they (but maybe not enough of their contemporaries) would have voted for Biden if they had no other choice, but the youngsters are definitely fired up right now. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/34 "2024-07-23T15:35:39Z")
I can’t blame Trump for not wanting to debate Harris. As a former prosecutor, she’d rip him a new one. ---
**Author:** ![sciurophobic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cab0a1/32.png) [@sciurophobic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sciurophobic)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/35 "2024-07-23T15:42:37Z")
Did anybody see this coming? I don’t remember hearing even any of the Black journalists or pundits on MSNBC predicting this. ---
**Author:** ![griffin1977](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/36 "2024-07-23T15:44:46Z")
So the two things that have pleasantly surprised me and caused my enthusiasm - The Democrats did not in fact form their usual circular firing squad. Everyone got behind Kamala with no drama and infighting. I’ve not even heard anything from the “Bernie or bust” crew about the fact she’s a “cop”. - Kamala actually is pretty charismatic. I was always of the impression she was somewhat in the model of Hillary Clinton, an obviously skilled competent politician who’d be good at her job as POTUS, but comes across and stilted and uncharismatic on camera. But actually hearing her speak (I’ve listened to her speeches since Sunday and a lot of her previous public speaking) she’s is pretty funny and inspiring. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/37 "2024-07-23T15:46:03Z")
It might not be enthusiasm for Harris (she’s no Obama) as it is the pent-up relief of finally not having to support a guy who would have been 86 when he finished his second term. The “double haters” are gone and many centrists who were disgruntled are now much less so. ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/38 "2024-07-23T15:51:12Z")
I’m a spite voter. I’m not really enthusiastic about any candidate the Democrats offer, I’m just a never Trumper and a former Republican who will continue to vote against them until and unless they repudiate MAGAism. Which means I’m most likely voting Democrat for the foreseeable future. While I was worried Harris’ gender and race might prove a liability, it appears this isn’t the case. I’m feeling much better today than I was when I learned Biden withdrew. I’m glad she’s bringing enthusiasm to the race. ---
**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 23, 2024, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/39 "2024-07-23T15:57:41Z")
What everyone else said. I might even donate money, which despite hourly scream-pleading texts I can’t get out of, I had no impulse to do before this. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/40 "2024-07-23T15:57:41Z")
> [@bordelond](#): > > **[Harris has the most tie-breaking votes in the Senate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tie-breaking_votes_cast_by_the_vice_president_of_the_United_States)** of any Vice-President ever (33). I’m not sure that they should tout this an accomplishment. It seems more like a perfunctory duty. I imagine she gets a call from Schumer to come and cast her vote, which she does in whatever way benefits the Democrats. It’s not like she had to work hard to come up with compromises to create a consensus. If they tout it as one of her major accomplishments, it could backfire by looking like they’re trying to pad her resume with fluffy descriptions of trivial tasks. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/41 "2024-07-23T15:59:40Z")
> [@sciurophobic](#): > > Did anybody see this coming? I don’t remember hearing even any of the Black journalists or pundits on MSNBC predicting this. Do you mean this amount of enthusiasm, or just that she’d be the likely nominee if Biden dropped out? I’ve seen the latter all over the place; but I agree that I didn’t see the degree of enthusiasm predicted. > [@griffin1977](#): > > The Democrats did not in fact form their usual circular firing squad. Everyone got behind Kamala with no drama and infighting. Yeah. I was really worried about that. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/42 "2024-07-23T16:00:36Z")
I agree with **Filmore** , the fact that Kamala cast the most tiebreaking votes in the Senate isn’t an achievement - it was a situation imposed upon her by the Senate being tied so many times. She had to cast that many tiebreaking votes, it wasn’t a choice of hers at all. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685.md?page=3)