The famous observation by the late New York Gov. Mario Cuomo that “you campaign in poetry; you govern in prose” is relevant to the current election, where some of the staunchest partisans are claiming bipartisanship.
The media has begun rewriting history to appeal to voters who prefer more moderate leadership. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz echoed this in his Democratic National Convention speech, portraying Vice President Harris as someone who has consistently reached across the aisle with energy and passion.
The current political narrative showcases a shift from past positions to present portrayals of bipartisanship and moderation
Harris, however, was one of the Senate’s most liberal members, not recognized for compromising on key issues. In fact, she was rated even more liberal than Sen. Bernie Sanders. Although this portrayal of Harris as a moderate is now being emphasized, it doesn’t align with her past positions.
Her previous uncompromising stance was valued by her supporters, particularly during her unsuccessful presidential campaign when she pushed far left. At that time, she proposed eliminating private insurance, a stance she has since walked back.
Interestingly, the same figures advocating for bipartisanship are now praising Republicans who support Harris while condemning Robert Kennedy Jr. for backing Trump. One is hailed as brave, the other as corrupt.
This week’s political poetry also included Justice Amy Coney Barrett crossing ideological lines by dissenting in a case on Arizona’s voter ID law. Her actions were celebrated by many, despite her previous denunciation during her confirmation hearings.
