As the 2020 US Presidential election approaches, the political landscape is heating up with the recent announcement of Kamala Harris as Joe Biden’s running mate. While this should be a moment of celebration for the Democratic party, it has instead been met with a barrage of gaslighting from Harris’ allies in the media. Gaslighting, a term used to describe the manipulation of facts and reality, has become a common tactic in politics, and Harris’ allies are using it in five distinct ways to sway American voters.
Firstly, Harris’ Democrat allies are trying to paint her as a progressive champion, despite her record showing otherwise. Harris has been labeled as a “progressive prosecutor” by her supporters, but her record as California’s Attorney General tells a different story. She has a history of being tough on crime and has been criticized for not doing enough to address police brutality and mass incarceration. By attempting to gaslight the public into believing she is a progressive, her allies are hoping to win over the left-wing voters who may have reservations about her past actions.
Secondly, Harris’ allies are trying to downplay her flip-flopping on key issues. Throughout her political career, Harris has changed her stance on issues such as healthcare, immigration, and criminal justice. While it is not uncommon for politicians to evolve on certain issues, Harris’ shifts have been significant and have raised questions about her authenticity and consistency. However, her allies in the media are attempting to gaslight the public by portraying her as a strong and unwavering leader, despite her history of changing positions for political gain.
Thirdly, Harris’ allies are using identity politics to deflect from her controversial record. As the first Black and South Asian woman to be chosen as a vice-presidential candidate, Harris’ identity is being used as a shield to protect her from criticism. Any valid concerns about her past actions are quickly dismissed as racist or sexist attacks on her identity. By gaslighting the public into believing that any criticism of Harris is rooted in bigotry, her allies are hoping to silence any legitimate concerns and paint her as a victim.
Fourthly, Harris’ allies are trying to rewrite history by portraying her as a strong ally of the Black community. While Harris’ identity as a Black woman is important, it does not erase her record as a prosecutor that has disproportionately affected Black and brown communities. Her support for policies such as truancy laws and the death penalty has been criticized for perpetuating systemic racism. However, her allies in the media are gaslighting the public by highlighting her identity and ignoring her problematic actions.
Finally, Harris’ allies are using the media to create a false narrative of her popularity and electability. Despite her low polling numbers during her own presidential campaign, Harris’ allies are trying to gaslight the public into believing that she is a strong and popular candidate. They are using the media to create a false sense of momentum and to downplay any criticism or doubts about her candidacy. By manipulating the media, her allies are hoping to create an illusion of support for Harris and convince voters that she is the best choice for the Democratic ticket.
In conclusion, Vice President Kamala Harris’ Democrat and mainstream media allies are using gaslighting tactics in an attempt to sway American voters. They are trying to portray her as a progressive champion, downplay her flip-flopping on key issues, deflect from her controversial record, rewrite history, and create a false narrative of her popularity. As voters, it is important for us to see through these manipulations and make informed decisions based on facts and reality. We must not allow ourselves to be gaslighted by political allies and instead demand transparency and accountability from our leaders. Only then can we truly move towards a better and more just society.