Support for Kamala Harris & Cheatle Under Fire | 7.23.24
In this episode of Morning Wire, the aggressive "shock and awe" strategy that Kamala Harris is employing to secure the Democratic nomination for president is examined. Her campaign has rapidly amassed key endorsements and fundraising milestones, fueling concerns that the process is predetermined rather than an open contest. Additionally, scrutiny surrounds Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheadle's handling of a security lapse at a Trump rally. Her evasive testimony raises questions about the agency's negligence and ability to ensure proper protection.
The summary delves into the reservations voiced by figures like Senator Manchin regarding Harris's apparent inevitability as the nominee. It also explores the bipartisan criticism Cheadle faced over the security failure, with lawmakers drawing parallels to past incidents that led to a director's resignation.
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1-Page Summary
Kamala Harris's "Shock and Awe" Strategy to Secure the Democratic Nomination
Kamala Harris is employing a decisive "shock and awe" strategy aimed at clinching the Democratic nomination for president, rapidly securing endorsements from party leaders and unprecedented fundraising feats.
Key Endorsements and Biden's Support
In a move to present herself as the definitive choice, Harris has garnered endorsements from influential figures like Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Governors Whitmer, Pritzker, Beshear, and Newsom. Joe Biden has lent full support, promising to actively campaign for her as both President and on the trail, signaling Harris's inevitability as the nominee.
Record-Breaking Fundraising
Adding to her momentum, Harris's campaign boasts a $81 million fundraising haul in 24 hours, surpassed only by a $150 million commitment to the aligned PAC Future Forward - marking the largest fundraising moment for Democrats.
Calls for a Contested Primary
Concerns Over a "Predetermined" Nomination
Senator Joe Manchin advocates for a "mini-primary" to test Harris's strength, expressing unease over the process seeming predetermined by party elites rather than an open, democratic one. David Marcus highlights endorsements like Governor Josh Shapiro's as fueling such concerns.
Hesitancy From Potential Challengers
Potential challengers appear reluctant to step forward against Harris, fearing a failed bid could jeopardize their political futures. Mike Bloomberg counsels a more gradual approach to ensure a robust nomination process.
Secret Service Director Scrutinized Over Security Failure
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheadle faced intense bipartisan criticism over a security lapse at a Trump rally, with lawmakers drawing parallels to a previous director's resignation after a similar incident.
Evasive Testimony Amid Negligence Questions
While acknowledging responsibility, Cheadle refused to resign and proved evasive when questioned about specifics of the failure by lawmakers like Comer, Biggs, and Jordan. Concerns arose over the agency's denial of additional security requests from Trump's team.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Harris's "shock and awe" strategy might be perceived as too aggressive or undemocratic by some voters who prefer a more inclusive and deliberative primary process.
- Endorsements from party leaders do not necessarily reflect the will of the broader Democratic electorate, and some may argue that such early endorsements undermine the primary process.
- Large fundraising numbers can lead to concerns about the influence of money in politics and the potential for candidates to be beholden to large donors rather than the general public.
- A "mini-primary" as suggested by Senator Manchin could be seen as a way to ensure that the Democratic nominee is thoroughly vetted and has widespread support within the party.
- The reluctance of potential challengers to step forward could be criticized as a lack of democratic competition within the party, potentially weakening the eventual nominee in the general election.
- The criticism of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheadle could be seen as an opportunity to review and improve security protocols rather than a reason for immediate resignation.
- Some may argue that the scrutiny of Cheadle is disproportionate or politically motivated, and that due process should be followed in investigating and addressing the security lapse.
Actionables
- You can analyze the power of endorsements by tracking the career progress of local politicians who have recently received public support from well-known figures. Start by identifying a few local politicians who have been endorsed by prominent leaders or organizations. Follow their campaign progress, media coverage, and election results to see if there's a noticeable impact from the endorsements.
- Develop a better understanding of political fundraising by simulating a fundraising campaign for a cause you care about. Create a mock campaign with a clear goal and message, then reach out to friends and family to pledge support, simulating the process of securing commitments. This will give you insight into the challenges and strategies of political fundraising without needing actual money or a real campaign.
- Enhance your critical thinking skills by role-playing a crisis management scenario based on the security lapse mentioned. Imagine you're in a leadership position facing a similar issue. Draft a response plan, including steps to take responsibility, strategies to address the problem, and ways to communicate with stakeholders. This exercise can improve your problem-solving and communication skills in high-pressure situations.
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Kamala Harris's efforts to secure the Democratic nomination for president
Kamala Harris is implementing a decisive "shock and awe" strategy aimed at clinching the Democratic nomination for president, signaling the robust support of key party figures and unprecedented fundraising feats.
Harris is employing a "shock and awe" strategy to lock up the nomination
Kamala Harris’s campaign is merging with the Biden headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, as she rapidly garners endorsements from an array of influential Democratic leaders. The majority of Democratic governors and members of Congress have publicly offered her their support, sending a clear message to potential contenders that Harris is the presumptive nominee.
Quickly securing endorsements from Democratic leaders
Harris's rapid accumulation of key endorsements is a central component of her strategy to present her candidacy as the definitive choice for the Democratic Party. Influential figures who have endorsed Harris include Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Governors Gretchen Whitmer, J.D. Pritzker, Andy Beshear, and Gavin Newsom. This array of endorsements could deter potential challengers from entering the race and convince delegates to rally behind her when the time comes.
Harris is working to make her candidacy seem inevitable
In a move to cement her status as the inevitable nominee, Joe Biden has lent his full support to Harris, despite having largely stepped away from the public eye. Biden’s endorsement and commitment to actively campaign for Harris both as President and on the campaign trail underscore this inevitability.
Biden and fundraising records show strong support
Biden has publicly endorsed Harris and has committed to campaigning for her, signaling his unwavering support. During an event, albeit only by phone, he expressed his commitment, "The name has changed at the top of the ticket, but the m ...
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Kamala Harris's efforts to secure the Democratic nomination for president
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The "shock and awe" strategy, also known as rapid dominance, aims to overwhelm and paralyze adversaries through a display of overwhelming power and force. It seeks to disrupt the enemy's will to fight by creating a perception of overwhelming force and control over the battlefield. This strategy is designed to quickly incapacitate the adversary's ability to resist at both tactical and strategic levels. The concept was developed for military application by the US National Defense University in 1996.
- Future Forward is a political action committee (PAC) that supports Kamala Harris's campaign for the Democratic nomination for president. It is described as the largest PAC associated with her campaign, indicating that it plays a significant role in fundraising and supporting her candidacy. PACs like Future Forward can raise and spend money to advocate for or against political candidates, often focusing on specific policy issues or candidates' campaigns. In this context, Future Forward's substantial financial commitments highlight the strong financial support behind Harris's bid for the nomination.
- Kamala Harris's campaign raised $81 million in the first 24 hours of her presidential campaign. This fundraising achievement is significant in political campaigns as it demonstrates strong financial support from donors. Such a large sum in a short period indicates enthusiasm and confidence in Harris's candidacy. The ability to amass this amount quickly can provide a substantial advantage in terms of resources and momentum ...
Counterarguments
- The "shock and awe" strategy, while effective in demonstrating strength, may not resonate with all voters who prefer a more inclusive and deliberative primary process.
- Merging with the Biden headquarters could be seen as establishment politics, which might alienate progressive or outsider factions within the Democratic Party.
- The early consolidation of endorsements could discourage healthy debate and competition within the party, potentially weakening the eventual nominee in the general election.
- The perception of inevitability might backfire if voters feel their choice is being taken away, leading to apathy or resistance among the electorate.
- While Biden's endorsement is influential, it does not guarantee that all Democrats or potential voters will align with his choice, as the party's base is diverse and may have different prioritie ...
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The potential for a challenger to emerge in the Democratic primary
The Democratic Party may see a contest in its primary process as some figures express concern over the nomination procedure.
Some Democratic figures, including Senator Joe Manchin, are calling for a "mini-primary" to test Harris's strength
Senator Joe Manchin supports the idea of a "mini-primary" to determine the Democratic Party's strongest presidential candidate, signaling unease about the process seeming "predetermined" by President Biden and party elites, rather than being an open and democratic procedure.
There are concerns that the nomination is being "predetermined" by party elites rather than an open process
David Marcus adds to the debate by mentioning that prominent figures like Josh Shapiro, the governor of the crucial state of Pennsylvania, have endorsed Harris for nomination. Manchin, considering the future of the party, voices concerns about the nomination process lacking transparency and competitiveness.
Potential challengers are hesitant to step forward, as they may view it as a long-shot bid that could hurt their future political prospects
Marcus indicates that potential challengers might be reluctant to come forward against Vice President Harris, fearing that a failed challenge could tarnish their future political prospects. This hesitation suggests that even if there is appetite for a primary challenge, the risk ...
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The potential for a challenger to emerge in the Democratic primary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The concept of a "mini-primary" might not be practical or fair, as it could undermine the established primary process that is designed to be inclusive of all states and voters.
- The involvement of party elites in the nomination process is not necessarily undemocratic; these figures often have experience and insight that can be valuable in selecting a viable candidate.
- Endorsements from figures like Josh Shapiro could be seen as a natural part of the political process, where individuals support candidates they believe in, rather than evidence of a rigged system.
- Potential challengers might be hesitant for reasons other than fear of damaging their prospects, such as recognizing the str ...
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of the political process by simulating a "mini-primary" with friends to discuss and evaluate potential candidates. Gather a group of friends with diverse political views and host a mock primary where each person presents arguments for a different potential candidate. This exercise can help you appreciate the complexities of the nomination process and the importance of diverse opinions in a democratic system.
- Enhance your critical thinking by analyzing the influence of endorsements on your own decision-making. Take note of when a public figure endorses a product, service, or individual, and reflect on how that endorsement affects your perception. This self-awareness can help you understand the power dynamics at play in political endorsements and the importance of forming your own opinions.
- Encourage open dialog ...
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The scrutiny and criticism faced by the Secret Service director over a security failure
The Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheadle faced intense scrutiny and criticism by Congress over a significant operational failure at a Trump rally. Despite acknowledging her responsibility, Cheadle refused to step down from her post.
Cheadle refuses to resign post despite pressure
Kimberly Cheadle, in her opening statement to Congress, admitted the Secret Service's substantial oversight at former President Donald Trump's rally and accepted full accountability. However, she stopped short of offering her resignation. Cheadle faced bipartisan criticism for her agency's shortcomings, but she maintained her position as head of the Secret Service. Lawmakers compared her situation to that of a former director, Stuart Knight, who resigned following a security incident, implying that Cheadle should do the same.
Evasive testimony amid questions of negligence
Cheadle proved evasive under lawmakers’ questioning about the security failure, offering up few details about the mishap. Oversight Chairman James Comer and Congressman Andy Biggs pressed Cheatle for specific information concerning the lapse in security; howev ...
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The scrutiny and criticism faced by the Secret Service director over a security failure
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Kimberly Cheadle faced pressure to resign following a security failure at a Trump rally, similar to a past director, Stuart Knight, who resigned after a security incident. Lawmakers suggested that Cheadle should follow Knight's example and step down due to the agency's shortcomings.
- Cheadle faced questions from lawmakers about a security failure at a Trump rally. Lawmakers pressed her for specific details about the lapse in security, but Cheadle provided vague responses, citing an ongoing investigation. Concerns were raised when it was revealed that additional security requests from Trump's team were initially denied by the Department of Homeland Security. Cheadle's responses to inquiries about this matter were also non-specific and did not clarify the situation.
- The denied security requests from Trump's team were significant because they could have potentially impacted the security measures in place at the rally. The refusal of these requests raised questions about the adequacy of the security arrangements and whether the Sec ...
Counterarguments
- Cheadle's refusal to resign could be seen as a commitment to rectify the issues under her leadership rather than abandoning her post during a crisis.
- Comparing Cheadle's situation to that of former director Stuart Knight may not account for differences in the circumstances surrounding the security incidents.
- Evasive testimony could be a result of the need to protect sensitive information during an ongoing investigation rather than an attempt to avoid accountability.
- The lack of details provided to Congress could be due to the classified nature of security operations.
- The Department of Homeland Security's initial decline of additional security requests migh ...
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