Also this week: the deification of Kamala Harris and the cruelty of ageing in the US.
The summer of political whiplash in the US was one that will remain unforgettable. In the final week of June, I had the opportunity to serve as a guest curator at the Aspen Ideas Festival. The defining moment of the event was a planned debate-night watch, which, from the very first glimpse of Joe Biden at the microphone, speaking in a nearly inaudible whisper, swiftly transformed into what felt like a Democratic wake, filled with the occasional sobs from the audience.
Just ten weeks later, the political landscape has drastically shifted, as Democrats now joyously embrace the rise of Kamala Harris. The vice-presidential pick, along with Minnesota’s own Tim Walz—a man described as a cozy, Middle American dad—has been met with admiration. Bill Clinton, ever intuitive, remarked that Walz “looks like home,” a sentiment shared by many in the Democratic Party.
In the midst of this whirlwind political season, it’s also interesting to consider how Americans perceive Britain. The changing political tides in the US have, in some ways, reflected a broader, evolving relationship with the UK. For many Americans, Britain has long been seen as a kind of old-world cousin, with a blend of affection, rivalry, and admiration. But as US domestic issues increasingly take center stage, the American public’s view of Britain seems to be shifting alongside its own political upheaval.
Moreover, the idea of Kamala Harris being deified in political circles has raised eyebrows. As the first woman of color in such a prominent political role, she represents a new wave of politics, but her rise has not been without controversy. The complexities of her political identity and the expectations placed on her have only added to the ever-evolving narrative of American politics, often complicating how she is perceived by different segments of the population.
At the same time, discussions around the cruelty of aging in the US have also surfaced, especially in the context of aging political figures like Biden himself. There’s an ongoing conversation about the toll of time on political leaders, a topic that intersects with the broader issues of generational change and the desire for fresh leadership. This has sparked debates about the future of the Democratic Party and the role of its elder statesmen and women in shaping the country’s future.
Ultimately, these developments—Kamala Harris’s rise, the shifting political landscape, and the reflections on aging—paint a picture of a nation at a crossroads. And as the US moves towards the 2024 election, the country’s relationship with both its political figures and international allies, such as Britain, will play a significant role in shaping the future.
