James Carville Calls for Complete Audit of Kamala Campaign After 'Almost Unfathomable' Damage Done to Dems
In the wake of Election Day, Democratic strategist James Carville is grappling with the fallout from Vice President Kamala Harris' unsuccessful campaign.
As reported by The Daily Caller, the Harris campaign burned through nearly $1.5 billion since its launch on July 21.
On Wednesday, Carville shared his perspective during the "Politics War Room" podcast. Speaking to co-host Al Hunt, he highlighted a pressing issue within the party: spending.
“There’s a spending problem in the party,” Carville asserted. “The resistance is going to have trouble raising money. These fundraisers are burnt.”
He further emphasized, “The damage that the 2024 campaign has done, the damage this decade has done to the Democratic brand is almost unfathomable.”
Carville also offered a clear next step in light of the extravagant expenditures: “One word: audit.”
While Carville dismissed the notion of running for chair of the Democratic National Committee, he insisted that Democrats must scrutinize Harris’ campaign spending. “Do you have any idea where that money went? Does anybody have any idea where that money went?” he questioned.
To Carville’s credit, the campaign’s spending issues are well-documented. Reports indicate the campaign amassed $20 million in debt, with notable expenditures such as $5,000 spent on nail artist Tahvya Krok.
However, if Carville is frustrated now, an audit is unlikely to soothe his concerns. Such a review would likely reveal more questionable purchases.
While Carville’s critiques hold weight, they fail to address the core issue plaguing the Democrats: their message.
For nearly a decade, the party has alienated half the electorate by branding them as “evil racists, Nazis, and a threat to democracy” for supporting a leader portrayed as America’s Adolf Hitler. Unsurprisingly, this approach has deterred voters.
Although money management is a critical component of any campaign, Carville is misguided if he believes that fixing spending alone will secure the White House in 2028.
The harm inflicted on the Democratic brand extends beyond financial missteps; it’s rooted in their messaging.
According to Newsweek, Harris significantly underperformed among Black voters, Hispanic voters, and young voters compared to President Joe Biden in 2020.
Rather than doubling down on identity politics, Democrats must shift their focus to understanding what voters genuinely value. This means aligning the party’s principles with the priorities of their constituents.
If Carville truly desires transformation within the Democratic Party, it’s not just about better financial practices. The party needs a new and resonant message.