Liberal patriotism will be key for Harris’ campaign
The US presidential candidate can use it to counter the toxic nationalism of populists
THERE was not just one American flag behind Kamala Harris as she accepted the nomination at the Democratic National Convention – there were six, draped from golden masts topped with bald eagles. As she finished speaking, red, white and blue balloons and cutout stars fell from the ceiling. The aesthetic was more Trump Tower kitsch than San Francisco hip.
The language was just as old-fashioned: Being an American is “the greatest privilege on Earth”, because “in this country, anything is possible (and) nothing is out of reach”. Everywhere she goes, claimed the newly anointed candidate, she meets people who are ready for “the next step in the incredible journey that is America”.
“With Kamala Harris, it’s cool for Liberals to be patriotic again,” trumpeted one headline on news website HuffPost. That sums it up pretty well.
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