USA (Washington Insider Magazine) – Vice President Kamala Harris strategically utilizes the visual and symbolic power of her office to support her presidential campaign. By tapping into the strong imagery associated with her role, Harris is working to build a cultural movement for the Democratic ticket, aiming to achieve what has previously been challenging for President Joe Biden.
In her bid to overcome former President Donald Trump, Harris has adopted a tactic often employed by Trump himself, even as this approach has drawn criticism from him. During a significant rally outside Detroit last week, Harris’s team built anticipation by having Air Force Two slowly approach a crowded airport hangar while Beyoncé’s “Run the World” played, a move reminiscent of Trump’s own campaign events. As Harris disembarked to another Beyoncé song, “Freedom,” the imagery was strikingly similar to Trump’s past rallies, where “God Bless the USA” would often be heard.
Trump’s Response and Harris’s Growing Enthusiasm
According to TheAtlantaVoice, Trump reacted strongly to Harris’s tactics, taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, to accuse her of deception, although his claims were unfounded. This reaction highlights a significant theme in the upcoming 2024 election: the level of enthusiasm and the sophisticated stagecraft that Harris is bringing to the Democratic campaign is unprecedented in recent years.
The Power of Presidential Imagery
Using presidential imagery is a well-established strategy for incumbents seeking reelection. Trump himself frequently used Air Force One as a powerful symbol during his first term, and even now, he continues to project authority by referring to his private jet as “Trump Force One.” His aides consistently refer to him as “45,” underscoring his former status as the U.S. president. Meanwhile, Ohio Senator JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, attempted to capture a similar moment of executive authority by closely inspecting Air Force Two during a recent campaign stop in Wisconsin, signaling his aspirations for future office.
