Social media lit up after reports surfaced that former Vice President Kamala Harris might launch a center for “policy and ideas.”
The New York Times dropped the story Thursday, headlined, “Sidelined and Still Processing Her Defeat, Harris Looks for a Way Back In.” The article said Harris and her husband are cautiously exploring next moves while keeping political consequences in mind.
“One possibility: establishing an institute for policy and ideas,” the Times wrote. Brian Nelson, an adviser to Harris since her California attorney general days, has floated the idea with schools like Howard and Stanford. But allies worry fundraising could pose problems depending on who chips in.
The thought of Harris launching a think tank — after a campaign often slammed for awkward moments — set social media ablaze with jokes.
Andrew Stiles from the Washington Free Beacon wrote, “NYT: Kamala Harris, known for her deep knowledge and ability to articulate complex issues, is thinking about launching ‘an institute for policy and ideas.’”
He sarcastically named it, “The Kamala D. Harris Institute for Examining the Importance of Understanding What Needs to Be Done.”
PJ Media’s Stephen Green added, “Job 1: Finding some ideas and learning what policy is.”
Abigail Jackson, deputy comms director for the GOP, suggested a name: “The Coconut Tree Institute” — a nod to one of Harris’ infamous quotes.
Joe Jackson, comms director for Sen. Cynthia Lummis, didn’t hold back either: “I can only imagine the type of deep thinkers that will be affiliated with this venture.”