In a recent commentary, Washington Examiner writer Tiana Lowe Doescher questioned the wisdom of Vice President Kamala Harris's strategy of relying on celebrity endorsements to bolster her 2024 presidential campaign. Doescher argued that this approach, which has seen Harris recruit high-profile figures like Oprah Winfrey, Bruce Springsteen, and Lizzo, may not be the most effective way to connect with voters and address their pressing concerns.

Courting the Boomer Vote, but Losing the Youth

Doescher noted that while Harris may be finding success in appealing to older, "Boomer" voters through her celebrity-driven campaign stops, she is lagging significantly behind with younger voters. This is a critical demographic, as the economy and inflation remain the top issues for many Americans, particularly those who have not experienced such economic turmoil before."The economy remains the No. 1 issue and most of these voters, especially the young voters that Harris is lagging way far behind," Doescher observed. "They've never experienced this kind of inflation before and it's why it's really a questionable strategy."

Lessons from the Past: Clinton's Celebrity Stumbles

Doescher drew a parallel between Harris's current strategy and the approach taken by Hillary Clinton during her 2016 presidential campaign. Despite the star power of celebrities like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Clinton's efforts to court the youth vote ultimately fell short, and Doescher warned that Harris may be making a similar misstep."It's a questionable strategy for her to ignore the kitchen table issues and instead hope that Lizzo brings out the votes," Doescher said, echoing the sentiment that focusing too heavily on celebrity endorsements could distract from the real concerns of everyday Americans.

The Democracy Dilemma: Voters' Trust in Trump

Adding to the challenges facing Harris's campaign, recent polling data suggests that more voters trust former President Donald Trump over the vice president to protect democracy. This is a concerning trend, as the preservation of democratic institutions has become a central issue in the political landscape."If you look at a lot of stars she is bringing out they are the Boomers she's doing somewhat well with," Doescher noted, hinting that Harris's celebrity-driven approach may not be resonating with the broader electorate.

Navigating the Shifting Sands of Public Opinion

As Harris continues to navigate the complexities of the 2024 presidential race, Doescher's commentary serves as a cautionary tale. While celebrity endorsements can certainly generate excitement and media attention, they may not be enough to overcome the pressing concerns of voters, particularly in a climate where economic issues and trust in democratic institutions are paramount.The vice president's team will need to carefully consider how to balance the allure of star power with a more substantive, policy-driven approach that directly addresses the needs and concerns of the American people. Failure to do so could jeopardize Harris's chances of securing the Democratic nomination and, ultimately, the presidency.