A Nothingburger

“IT WAS A Nothingburger!” This was the average response to Kamala Harris’ first CNN interview. The flatterati on both sides, of course, took defined positions. Democrats felt that Kamala held her own, but Trump believed she wasn’t gritty enough to deal with toughs like Putin or Xi.

It is true, Kamala was polite but not combative. She showed disdain just once when asked about how her gender and race mattered, with a terse: “Next question?” If she didn’t lip snarl, does that amount to weakness? Trump’s camp thinks it does and that will stick. She cannot keep playing auntyji. Americans like them tough all over.

As if in response, Kamala was aggressive, her neck veins prominent, when she promised on Labour Day that she would never let the Japanese buy United States Steel. This was appropriately at a union event cheered on by hundreds of workers. Interesting how supporting unions can be a political plus in a capitalist country. Unthinkable in India.

Compared to the last two elections, this one seems much cooler. By Indian election standards, it’s in the Arctic zone. Post Labour Day, election news got a near-out-of-sight slim column in the New York Times and Washington Post, but not even that in Los Angeles Times and Boston Globe. The campaign is on, but not hitting the headlines.

Also, in earlier elections, the media was agog with Trump spreading laudanum and opprobrium in ways no aspirant to this high office had ever done before. The press and TV just couldn’t have enough of him. He was an entertainer and a political heavyweight, a white Muhammad Ali in a long red necktie. Even Trump haters found him exciting.

The big question then was: What would Trump say next? In this season the question is: What will Trump say again? That may not be newsy but it’s comforting to Trump supporters for its consistency. It’s something like being tucked in at night hearing your favourite nursery rhyme. Kamala Harris’ handlers know and fear that.

Statistics on TV viewership may not put Trump on top but his appeal is enduring for it does not depend on transient trends in employment, inflation or grocery bills. He radiates emotional intangibles that tug at bonds of cultural sameness, masculinity, and fear of outsiders. All of these have been cherished staples for long in the US.

Hence, the American body politic quickly metabolises them. Trump feed readily sticks to the ribs. In contrast, what Harris offers may be healthy but they aren’t finger-licking. It’s like a contest between a cheeseburger and fries versus carrots and lettuce. One is tasty and the other nutritious and those who prefer one will not easily change to the other.

Trump radiates a daredevil aura but what wouldn’t he give to know for how long a woman stays just a little bit pregnant during which time an abortion can take place. Six weeks is too short and 24 too long, but where’s the point in between? His fumbles over this are making hardcore Republican anti-abortionists restive and a little angry.

Kamala exudes a quiet multiculturalism but is unconvincing on the Middle East. Her recent rally was fog-horned by a section of Democrats who wanted her to openly attack Israel’s action in Gaza. If only Hamas and Israel could be a little less militant, she could play both ends. Winning young Democratic radicals must worry her more than a little.

Economic protectionism is in Trump’s territory but Kamala intends to invade that province. Ratings show she is making progress but Trump’s slogan ‘Make America Great Again’ retains its primordial appeal. He has an edge on anti-immigration too. Kamala’s approach to sift good immigrants from rabble is too nuanced to be emotive.

If Kamala is playing catch-up with Trump on immigration, Trump is playing catch-up on abortion. What both sides are showcasing as their main dish is clear, but there is no clear winner yet. Trump is against immigrants and abortion and Harris favours pro-choice and a multi-racial America. Neither party has produced a clincher.

Both sides are searching for an appetising side dish. Kamala’s flip-flop on once opposing fracking, but not any longer, has lost its appeal. Even Trump’s alleged payoff for sexual favours is nearly forgotten. Will Trump hark back to Biden’s botched-up Afghanistan withdrawal? Will Kamala harp on felony charges against Trump?

As the campaign progresses, people expect more changes in the side orders but not the main fare.

About The Author

Dipankar Gupta

Dipankar Gupta is a sociologist. He is the author of, among other titles, Q.E.D.: India Tests Social Theory and Checkpoint Sociology: A Cultural Reading of Policies and Politics