# 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:** 7
**Author:** ![eschrodinger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschrodinger/32/122_2.png) [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/123 "2024-07-23T23:07:55Z")
> [@rocking\_chair](#): > > Should they get to a debate I hope she uses the phrase against trump. My hope if they debate is that he tries that lurking thing he did with Hilary Clinton, and Harris makes him pay for it. Best way would be if she has some self-defense training so she could kick him in the nards “on instinct” when he moved behind her.\* I know it’s not realistic, but I guess I have some unexpectedly _giddy_ enthusiasm. I was unenthusiastic about Biden in 2020, but thought it was probably a wise move to get Trump out. I was even less enthusiastic about him running again (esp. because there had been some speculation or hints back in 2020 that he wouldn’t seek reelection but would hand the baton to someone younger). He actually did accomplish a lot. But I wasn’t comfortable with him taking on four more years. Suddenly, I have a candidate I like, who is younger and much more _vital_, and it seems like she just sent a jolt of energy into the race. \*Just to be absolutely clear, I’m not advocating this. The thought of it happening just amuses me. ---
**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 23, 2024, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/124 "2024-07-23T23:08:02Z")
> [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](#): > > I hope the time on Howard Stern where he recounted visiting the dressing room of the contestants at his teen beauty pageants gets a lot of play, along with the classic “grab 'em” tape. The classics never go out of style. ---
**Author:** ![Jihi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jihi/32/17768_2.png) [@Jihi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jihi)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/125 "2024-07-23T23:24:36Z")
> [@eschrodinger](#): > > My hope if they debate is that he tries that lurking thing he did with Hilary Clinton, and Harris makes him pay for it. My thinking is if he tries something like that, it’s best to just be simple and direct. Just turn around and look straight at him and say… “You’re in my personal space Donald. I know what stalking is. I have taken self-defense classes as well.” Too aggressive? ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/126 "2024-07-23T23:26:31Z")
> [@Jaycat.again](#): > > And if he doesn’t want to debate, “Cowardly Donald” should be the mantra I’d use a line I’ve often used. “You know the difference between cops and criminals? Cops don’t run when the criminals show up.” ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/127 "2024-07-23T23:38:17Z")
> [@Buck\_Godot](#): > > I think part of that fund raising, were from donors who were concerned that Biden was going to drop out and so didn’t want to send money that would be difficult for whoever was the nominee to use. Once Biden dropped and Harris was the obvious next choice they could open the flood gates. I agree. > [@Jihi](#): > > My thinking is if he tries something like that, it’s best to just be simple and direct. Just turn around and look straight at him and say… > > “You’re in my personal space Donald. I know what stalking is. As appealing it is to think about a quick, “instinctive” response, I think you are correct. Physical violence won’t play well unless Trump attempts to grab _her_ by the pussy. But a direct statement calling out his attempt at intimidation would simultaneously show him as the bully he is and show her calm demeanor under pressure. ---
**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, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/128 "2024-07-23T23:38:24Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > It then became a meme for her supporters, and picked up steam in recent weeks. One hilarious thing about this is it was the GOP who dug this up as something to use against her, expecting it to play badly, and it absolutely blew up. Actually a lot of the glee I feel is the the utter horror and unexpectedness in all this for Trump and GOP. It genuinely seems that because Trump could never conceive of selflessly ending his career (or lifting a goddamned finger) for the good of the country and party, he couldn’t conceive of Biden doing that. Now the GOP leadership is [desperately trying convince their own party](https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/23/gop-race-comments-harris-00170735?utm_source=fark&utm_medium=website&utm_content=link&ICID=ref_fark) to not be so racist. It’s a clustef"uck a week after seemingly everything going so well for them. lololol ---
**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 23, 2024, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/129 "2024-07-23T23:42:50Z")
> [@Jihi](#): > > My thinking is if he tries something like that, it’s best to just be simple and direct. Just turn around and look straight at him and say… > > “You’re in my personal space Donald. I know what stalking is. I have taken self-defense classes as well.” > > Too aggressive? Not too aggressive at all… **BUT** I’d rather see her turn, face him, cross her arms across her chest, and just fucking stare him down without moving an inch. No words at all. No playing his game. No engaging him verbally. Don’t give him a statement to reply to. Just a cold-blooded stare without giving up one millimeter of physical ground. ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/130 "2024-07-23T23:45:49Z")
This, but after a few uncomfortable seconds she should say “Im sorry grandpa, are you lost?” ---
**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 23, 2024, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/131 "2024-07-23T23:47:06Z")
She doesn’t need to. Seize the moral high ground and set up camp there. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/132 "2024-07-23T23:47:37Z")
Several judges I worked for were quite protective of courtroom protocol that requires attorneys to get permission before approaching the bench. One had an extremely effective way of putting those who forgot themselves and began to approach without permission to stop on a dime: “Step back!!” Worked like a physical slap every time. ---
**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 23, 2024, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/133 "2024-07-23T23:49:03Z")
I could endorse her saying that in her best Parade Ground voice. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2024, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/134 "2024-07-23T23:50:10Z")
'Zackly. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/135 "2024-07-24T00:02:38Z")
> [@griffin1977](#): > > Now the GOP leadership is [desperately trying convince their own party](https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/23/gop-race-comments-harris-00170735?utm_source=fark&utm_medium=website&utm_content=link&ICID=ref_fark) to not be so racist. It’s a clustef"uck a week after seemingly everything going so well for them. lololol Perhaps the leadership needs to set up some DEI training sessions for their members. 😁 ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/136 "2024-07-24T00:09:59Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > I’d rather see her turn, face him, cross her arms across her chest, and just fucking stare him down without moving an inch. No words at all… How about a succinct “I’m speaking”? [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/tXFqTGBty1w/maxresdefault.jpg "'I'm speaking': Kamala Harris reins in Mike Pence during VP debate") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXFqTGBty1w) ---
**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 24, 2024, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/137 "2024-07-24T00:31:37Z")
That works. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/138 "2024-07-24T00:35:23Z")
@ThelmaLou. I agree. He’d look like the spoiled, pampered baby he is. ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/139 "2024-07-24T00:36:16Z")
> [@DavidNRockies](#): > > Maybe some of our relief and elation over Harris is an unspoken realization that we likely harbored profound angst, and had surely dodged a big, wizened bullet. For myself, it’s that they’ve kicked over the board, just when Trump looked like a shoe-in. When I saw the photos of him being shot at, I knew that was going to win him the election over Biden. It was just too good of a narrative. But now? It’s all up in the air, and the reaction of everyone else fills me with hope. ---
**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 24, 2024, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/140 "2024-07-24T00:54:55Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > How about a succinct “I’m speaking”? Dang, she’s awesome in those clips. ---
**Author:** ![eschrodinger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschrodinger/32/122_2.png) [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/141 "2024-07-24T01:12:33Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Not too aggressive at all… **BUT** I’d rather see her turn, face him, cross her arms across her chest, and just fucking stare him down without moving an inch. No words at all. No playing his game. No engaging him verbally. Don’t give him a statement to reply to. Just a cold-blooded stare without giving up one millimeter of physical ground. My realistic version of what she should do, and I hope we see a lot of this tactic, is for her to just laugh at him. He is so ridiculous so much of the time, and men like him can wither from being laughed at. But I like your idea too. It really is fun thinking about her being the candidate. I’m also terrified about how racist and sexist this country is, but I try not to think about it. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2024, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685/142 "2024-07-24T01:17:32Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > the rank and file isn’t deciding between her and The Left Wing Candidate I Like More Good point. Cut off the attempt to search for the Perfect Unicorn right away. Sure there’s months to go for the inevitable _“waaah, she’s not on all the way on OUR side of OUR single issue!”_ to bubble up from her own side but that’s to be expected. > [@eschrodinger](#): > > I hope we see a lot of this tactic, is for her to just laugh at him. He is so ridiculous so much of the time, and men like him can wither from being laughed at Though you know the response on the RW would be “that’s her _laughing at YOU_, MAGAmericans, laughing at YOU!”. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unexpected-enthusiasm-for-harris/1004685.md?page=8)