Kamala Harris’ aide resigns in letter outlining a troubled campaign
A resignation letter from one of Sen. Kamala Harris’ former campaign staffers describes her campaign as slightly chaotic for workers, lacking direction, and "no real plan to win."
A resignation letter from one of Sen. Kamala Harris’ former campaign staffers describes her campaign as slightly chaotic for workers, lacking direction, and "no real plan to win."
Sen. Kamala Harris’ presidential race to the White House may be in jeopardy. A resignation letter from one of Harris’ former campaign staffers describes her campaign as slightly chaotic for workers, lacking direction, and “no real plan to win” with the Iowa caucus just around the corner in 2020.
The resignation letter obtained by the New York Times, was from former state operations manager Kelly Mehlenbacher. In addition to writing the letter, Mehlenbacher’s letter and claims were also verified by more than 50 current and former campaign staffers and allies of the campaign, according to Independent.
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The letter, dated Nov. 11, specifies how the campaign at many times used flawed strategies like targeting the wrong candidates in debates, giving focus to the wrong states, and even the wrong type of candidates.
“While I still believe Senator Harris is the strongest candidate. I have never seen an organisation treat its staff so poorly … I no longer have confidence in our campaign or its leadership. The treatment of our staff over the last two weeks was the final straw,” Mehlenbacher said.
She also expressed how disappointed she was in making staffers move the campaign headquarters from Washington DC to Baltimore, Maryland, “only to lay them off without notice”. She described the situation as “unacceptable”. Then stating there was “no plan for the campaign” and the decision was made without thoughtful consideration of the personal consequences to them or the consequences that their absence would have on the remaining staff.”
“Neither the campaign manager or the chair” addressed the staff “to explain, apologize or reassure” the staffers that still remained on board, according to Independent.
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Harris hasn’t only received kickback from former staffers and allies but also from the polls for her lack of a clear health care plan, and for not rolling out a clear criminal justice plan, in addition to answering questions about her past as a prosecutor.
“Because we have refused to confront our mistakes, foster an environment of critical thinking, and honest feedback, or trust the expertise of talented staff, we find ourselves making the same unforced errors over and over”, the letter reads.
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According to the Independent, this division is due to decisions made by leadership. Harris’ sister, Maya Harris, directs her campaign, making it hard for constructive criticism and feedback of the candidate to happen.
Harris’ campaign has also taken a dive financially from $12  million in the beginning of 2019 dropping down to $11 million by the close of the year.
