In her acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Vice President Kamala Harris touted her foreign policy achievements and support for veterans. Interestingly, she conveniently forgot to mention the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives during the Biden administration’s botched withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. It seems some memories are more convenient to forget than others in the world of political theater.
Harris boasted about her commitment to defending U.S. forces and interests, including taking “decisive action” against Iran and its allies. One can’t help but wonder if her idea of decisive action includes pallets of cash delivered in the dead of night. She also took aim at former President Donald Trump, claiming he’s easily swayed by autocrats. This criticism comes rich from an administration that’s been caught flat-footed by every global crisis since taking office.
Foreign Policy Blunders: A Democratic Specialty
The Vice President proudly highlighted her meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky before Russia’s invasion. However, she failed to mention that this “decisive” administration’s response to the impending invasion was to offer Zelensky a ride out of the country. Talk about leading from behind! Harris claims credit for mobilizing a global response involving over 50 countries, but let’s remember it was the courage of the Ukrainian people and the support of steadfast allies that truly made the difference.
The elephant in the room – or should we say, the donkey – is the catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan. This debacle resulted in the tragic deaths of 13 U.S. service members at the Kabul airport and abandoned countless Americans and Afghan allies to Taliban rule. It’s no wonder Harris avoided this topic like the plague in her speech. After all, it’s hard to brag about a foreign policy disaster that makes the Bay of Pigs look like a well-oiled operation.
Afghanistan Withdrawal: A Timeline of Tragedy
Key Events
- April 14, 2021: Biden announces full withdrawal by September 11
- July 8, 2021: Biden claims “The likelihood there’s going to be the Taliban overrunning everything and owning the whole country is highly unlikely.”
- August 15, 2021: Taliban enters Kabul, Afghan government collapses
- August 26, 2021: Suicide bombing at Kabul airport kills 13 U.S. service members and over 170 Afghans
- August 30, 2021: Last U.S. troops depart, leaving Americans and allies behind
Critics argue, and rightly so, that this spectacular failure signaled weakness on the world stage, potentially emboldening Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine. It’s almost as if the Biden-Harris administration handed out “Invade Your Neighbor” coupons to every autocrat with a grudge.
Selective Memory: A Democratic Superpower
During her speech, Harris conveniently sidestepped any mention of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Instead, she showered praise on veterans and the military, citing her efforts to protect students, workers, and seniors. One has to admire the audacity of claiming to support the troops while glossing over one of the most disastrous military operations in recent history.
In a moment of unintentional comedy, Harris highlighted her role just before President Biden’s decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, noting she was “comfortable” with the operation. Comfortable? With an outcome that left American citizens stranded and allies betrayed? It seems the bar for comfort in the Democrat party is set lower than the approval ratings for Congress.
The Accidental Nominee: Harris’s Unexpected Ascent
Harris’s rise to the top of the Democrat ticket came after President Biden bowed out of the race, citing concerns about his mental acuity and age. It’s worth noting that these concerns were apparent to everyone except the Democrat leadership for the past three years. In accepting her nomination, Harris vowed to serve all Americans, regardless of political affiliation, race, gender, or background. A noble sentiment, to be sure, but one that rings hollow given the divisive rhetoric that’s been a hallmark of this administration.
Fun Fact: Democratic Leadership Musical Chairs
The Democrat party’s scramble to replace Biden resembles a game of musical chairs where everyone’s trying to sit on a throne made of quicksand. Harris, who couldn’t even make it to the Iowa caucuses in her own presidential bid, now finds herself the reluctant standard-bearer for a party in disarray.
As Harris concluded her speech by accepting the nomination for President of the United States and reaffirming her allegiance to the American people, one couldn’t help but wonder: Is this the best the Democrat party has to offer? A Vice President who struggles to string together coherent sentences and whose most notable achievement is achieving historically low approval ratings?
Republican Contrast: Strength and Clarity
While the Democrats fumble through their leadership crisis, it’s worth remembering the stark contrast provided by the Republican party. Under President Trump’s leadership, America saw historic peace deals in the Middle East, a booming economy, and a foreign policy doctrine of peace through strength that kept adversaries at bay.
The Republican vision for America stands in sharp contrast to the muddled messaging and failed policies of the current administration. From border security to energy independence, from standing up to China to supporting our allies, the GOP offers a clear and decisive path forward.
Conclusion: America Deserves Better
As we watch the spectacle of the Democratic National Convention unfold, with its carefully choreographed speeches and convenient omissions, it’s clear that America deserves better. The country needs leadership that doesn’t shy away from hard truths, that puts America first, and that has a proven track record of success.
While Vice President Harris may believe she’s ready to lead the nation, her speech – with its glaring omissions and empty rhetoric – suggests otherwise. As we look towards the future, Americans would do well to remember that true leadership isn’t about what you say in a scripted convention speech, but about the decisions you make when the cameras are off and the stakes are high.
