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The Kamala Harris Surge, and what is so bad about Fracking?
where I discuss my surprise at her rise, as explained by Lawrence O’Donnell on MSNBC.
Throughout history, there’s been a golden rule in politics: never outshine the leader. From the courts of kings to the chambers of modern governments, this principle has shaped the careers of the most astute political figures. In ancient times, courtiers who appeared more competent than the king were often met with a swift and brutal end. This same rule applies today, though the stakes are less lethal and more about political longevity.
Vice Presidents, in particular, have walked this tightrope.
The role has always been delicate: appear strong enough to lead if needed but never so strong that the public (or the president) begins to question the balance of power. This brings us to Vice President Kamala Harris, who, for much of Joe Biden’s presidency, has been criticized for being too quiet, too passive. Some believed this silence translated into weakness, signaling she wasn’t ready for the highest office. But as history has shown, there’s a fine art to playing the long game.
Kamala Harris’ political career seemed to simmer rather than spark during Biden’s administration. Many of us doubted her, assuming that should she need to step in for President Biden, the public would be upset…
