In Harrisonburg, Virginia, voters from all political backgrounds express uncertainty about Kamala Harris' policy positions and her overall platform. Some Democrats are excited about her candidacy but acknowledge a lack of clarity on her views, while others remain unconvinced and question her qualifications.
In the quaint town of Harrisonburg, Virginia, nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley, the upcoming presidential election looms large. Yet, when asked about Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, a surprising theme emerges: uncertainty.
Marla, the manager of the Texas Inn diner, a local hub, is among those who have yet to form an opinion on Harris. "Not at all," she says, when asked if she knows who Harris is. "I have no idea."
Kamala Harris' Policies: A Mystery to Virginians
This sentiment is echoed across the political spectrum in Harrisonburg. Rick, a rural Virginia Democrat, expresses a desire for Harris to clarify her positions. "I do wish Harris would do some interviews, make it clearer what she stands for," he says.
Jim, a Republican from New York, takes a different view. "I'm not nuts about Trump," he concedes. "But what choice do I have?"
Kamala Harris' Policies: A Mystery to Virginians
Increasingly, voters in Harrisonburg and beyond are feeling trapped between two unsavory options. Larry, a local in his 40s, has all but given up. "It doesn't matter who the president is," he says. "Until Congress has term limits, it doesn't matter, they just do what's best for themselves."
Derrick, a black man in his early thirties, also expresses a desire for more clarity from Harris. "She has no platform," he says. "All I hear is women's rights and abortion. I want to know if she is just going to be Biden again."
Kamala Harris' Policies: A Mystery to Virginians
The frustration of voters with the lack of substance in political discourse is palpable. "These politicians just talk right past us, nobody listens," one person laments.
Democrats in Harrisonburg, while excited about Harris' candidacy, acknowledge her lack of definition. "Maybe the less she does, the better," confides a member of a leadership conference.
Kamala Harris' Policies: A Mystery to Virginians
As the Democratic National Convention approaches, the question of Kamala Harris' policy positions remains unanswered. Whether she will choose to reveal her true self or continue to rely on vague rhetoric remains to be seen.
For now, the voters of Harrisonburg wait, living their lives in relative obscurity, amidst the charming college greens and church steeples that dot the landscape. Their thoughts and feelings on the upcoming election remain as mysterious as the policies of the Democratic vice presidential nominee herself.
In just over a week, as freshmen fill the dorms and Marla serves up her famous Cheesy Westerns, the nation will turn its attention to the DNC. Will Harris seize this opportunity to define herself or will she leave voters guessing? The outcome of the 2020 election may hinge on her decision.
