The Curious Case of "Prosecutor V Felon".

There is an emerging storyline in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, where every week another twist is thrown into the works, that makes the possibility of a contest between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump highly interesting.

Harris’s possible run as a candidate presents unique dynamics similar to those seen during Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s successful prosecution of the Conservative Party in the 2024 UK General Election. Harris, as a seasoned attorney who had a history of being tough on crime, (though not without scandal) in California. Thus, it looks like the U.S Election will now shift to the curious case of “prosecutor v felon”.

A series of high-profile legal victories in Kamala Harris’s career underscore her abilities as a prosecutor. From corporate fraud to environmental crimes, she dealt with it all, while serving as the Attorney General of California; events that showed her fighting spirit and planning skills. Despite that, her time as Attorney General proved to be what caused the biggest blow to her candidacy for President during the Democratic Primary of 2020. One of these blows most notably occurred during an early debate, by Hawaii's Tulsi Gabbard . According to the former congresswoman, Harris missed several chances to make substantive changes specifically in cases where innocent persons were on death row. She condemned them as indefensible acts and urged her to apologize to everyone under whose watch they took place when Harris was still an attorney general. The former congresswoman has also in recent days reiterated her stance on the dangers of a "Harris Presidency".

This is not 2020 though. The key aspect in this case is her reputation for being tough on crime, despite any scandal that occured while she served as Attorney General. Four years later on from 2020, this comes in handy, because so far none of the main Democrats have really driven home one of the main weaknesses for the Republicans, that former President Trump is a convicted felon!

All these put Harris in a unique position to be able to prosecute former President Trump, whose legal controversies over the years have become common topic of discussion. In one of his recent cases, the ex-president was charged with all 34 felony counts. This is an unprecedented scenario for any former or current president. Nevertheless, the Supreme Court not long after, proceeded to grant presidents “absolute immunity” from being prosecuted for essential official acts. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion that a former president is fully protected for some actions and is only presumed guilty for others. This is key because, this ruling, essentially granted former President Trump’s wish of all but guaranteeing that his criminal trial for trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election will not go to trial before the 2024 election in November. All this will be key evidence in Harris's attempted takedown of the case for Trump.

The comparison to Keir Starmer is particularly apt. Keir Starmer's tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) from 2008 to 2013 was marked by his methodical and rigorous approach to legal proceedings. He was known for his focus on human rights and his ability to present complex legal arguments in a clear and persuasive manner. This skill set proved invaluable when he transitioned into politics, where he applied the same meticulousness to his role as Leader of the Opposition.

Starmer's strategy involved systematically highlighting the Conservative government's failures and inconsistencies. He used his legal background to dissect policies and decisions, presenting evidence in a way that was both compelling and accessible to the public. This approach helped shift public opinion and increased scrutiny on the government's actions. This campaign style went on all the way until the final day of campaigning and in the end gave the Labour Party an absolute mandate and one of the largest majorities in decades. It also meant that the Conservatives were given the heaviest defeat in their history.

Similarly, Kamala Harris, with her extensive legal background and political experience, is well-positioned to adopt a similar strategy against Donald Trump. As a former Attorney General of California and a U.S. Senator, she has demonstrated her ability to navigate complex legal and political landscapes. She can leverage her legal expertise to meticulously outline the alleged transgressions and policy failures of Trump's administration. By framing her arguments in a clear and credible manner, she can effectively communicate the issues to the public, potentially swaying public opinion and increasing accountability.

Moreover, Trump’s historical difficulty in dealing with strong women could be a significant factor in this matchup. His often dismissive and adversarial attitude towards women who challenge him—evident in his interactions with figures such as Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi—could be his Achilles' heel. Harris, with her poised yet assertive demeanor, embodies the type of strong female adversary that has historically rattled Trump. This dynamic, if effectively leveraged, could expose vulnerabilities in Trump's campaign, appealing to voters who are disillusioned with his approach.

The contrast, between "Prosecutor vs. Felon" goes beyond words; it reflects a difference in values and skills. Harris is seen as a disciplined leader focused on justice contrasting sharply with the ethical issues surrounding Trump. This contrast could sway opinion among undecided voters who prioritize honesty and responsibility. In essence, both Starmer and Harris share a common strength: the ability to use their legal acumen to present compelling cases against their political opponents. This methodical approach not only highlights their opponents' shortcomings but also underscores their own credibility and competence as leaders.

To sum up, if Kamala Harris were to run against Donald Trump it wouldn't just be a battle but a clash of personalities and principles. Drawing parallels to Keir Starmers critique of the Conservatives, Harris has the potential to dismantle Trumps narrative while offering a vision for the future. Her ability to do so along with Trumps struggles against women could be a turning point in the 2024 election. For those who value leadership and justice, Harris prosecutorial skills offer a small glimmer of hope and a potential sighting of a long awaited clear path, for Americas future.