Is a seemingly simple phrase capable of encapsulating a political philosophy, sparking both hope and controversy in the arena of public discourse? Vice President Kamala Harris's frequent use of "what can be, unburdened by what has been" has become a defining element of her public persona, a verbal signature that both inspires and invites scrutiny.

The phrase, often delivered with a characteristic blend of optimism and gravitas, has become intrinsically linked to Harris, appearing in speeches, interviews, and campaign materials. It speaks of a future unconstrained by the shackles of the past, a vision of progress uninhibited by historical baggage. Yet, its simplicity belies a complex interplay of political messaging, rhetorical strategy, and cultural context.

The roots of this now-famous quote, however, are not as straightforward as they may seem. There has been much speculation about the origins of this phrase, with some suggesting an intellectual lineage tracing back to the writings of Karl Marx, the 19th-century German philosopher and architect of communist theory. Such claims, however, have been widely contested, leading to deeper examination into the true meaning and usage of this famous line.

Let's delve into the details:

Category	Details
Full Name	Kamala Devi Harris
Date of Birth	October 20, 1964
Place of Birth	Oakland, California, USA
Political Party	Democratic Party
Current Position	Vice President of the United States (since January 20, 2021)
Previous Positions	District Attorney of San Francisco (20042011) California Attorney General (20112017) United States Senator from California (20172021)
Education	Howard University (B.A. in Political Science and Economics) University of California, Hastings College of the Law (J.D.)
Key Achievements	First female Vice President of the United States. First African American and first Asian American Vice President. Served as California's first female Attorney General. Championed criminal justice reform.
Signature Phrase	"What can be, unburdened by what has been."
Website	The White House - Vice President Kamala Harris

The phrase itself presents a clear-cut message of hope. It is a forward-looking statement, encouraging a break from the constraints of the past. When Harris uses the phrase, she is often speaking about the necessity of progress and a vision of a more equitable future. This utopian sentiment, however, is not without its detractors. Critics often point to the ambiguity of the phrase, suggesting it lacks concrete substance and serves more as a political slogan than a detailed policy statement. This has led to widespread mockery, and the phrase has become a popular meme on social media.

The Republican National Committee, for instance, shared a supercut of Harris repeating the quote on Twitter on April 30, 2023, which quickly went viral. The response revealed a spectrum of reactions, from earnest appreciation to outright skepticism. The use of the phrase also opened up a dialogue about the nature of political communication and the ways in which rhetoric can be used to shape perceptions and mobilize support.

The claim that Harris borrowed the phrase from Karl Marx is a recurring theme in some circles. The idea that the Vice President is drawing upon Marxist ideologies has been circulating and has faced scrutiny. However, investigations into Marx's works, including those referencing "unburdened," "unburdened by what has been," and other related terms, have yielded no direct evidence to support this claim. No writings or personal correspondence from Marx contain the exact phrase, nor does the philosophy of Marx fully align with the phrase's more generalized expression of hope and forward-looking action.

Critics of the phrase often highlight this perceived lack of specificity, accusing Harris of using it as a shield to avoid detailed policy discussions. The implication is that the phrase, while inspiring, does not offer a clear roadmap for action or a detailed plan for achieving the desired future. This is where the discussion moves beyond the realm of rhetoric and into the practical considerations of governing. The ability to see what can be, unburdened by what has been might be easy to say, but it is a challenge to define what can be and translate that into tangible policies. Moreover, this line of attack plays into an existing narrative that the Vice President is primarily focused on symbolism and not on substantive actions.

On the other hand, supporters say that the phrase serves a crucial role in the political arena. They suggest that it's a way of promoting optimism and encouraging action in the face of challenges. When Harris uses the phrase, particularly in reference to young children seeing themselves reflected in her, it encourages them to look beyond the constraints of the current situation and to imagine a world of possibilities. The phrase, in this context, isn't necessarily intended to provide the answers but rather to stimulate hope and to create space for new ideas.

The repeated use of the phrase has led to a discussion about the nature of political language. Harriss critics sometimes call it "word salad," suggesting that it is a series of meaningless phrases. The argument posits that the heavy reliance on the phrase is evidence of a weakness in addressing specific issues. Rather than offering a detailed explanation of her plans, the criticism claims, Harris relies on vague and uplifting statements.

This criticism is particularly prominent when considering the complex political landscape. Detractors believe it implies a dismissal of history. The phrase is sometimes seen as a call to "wipe out" the past. This interpretation can be controversial, as it could be seen as a disregard for lessons learned from past experiences, or an attempt to rewrite history. This interpretation suggests that the phrase encourages a simplification of complex realities.

The phrases evolution also underscores the dynamics of political messaging in the modern media era. It has been amplified by media coverage and adapted as both a joke and a meme online, showing how rhetoric can be quickly disseminated and repurposed. This trend emphasizes the role of social media platforms in influencing public perception and shaping political dialogue.

The use of the phrase also touches upon the idea of an "esoteric" element in political discourse. This perspective suggests that the phrase operates as an example of coded language. The phrase is used in a way that appeals to a specific set of values. It is considered to be a tool for generating a sense of community and shared purpose.

The phrase has been used within the context of the 2024 presidential campaign. As candidates seek to appeal to voters, the choice of words carries considerable weight. The frequent use of the phrase by Harris and its presence in her speeches is not just an indication of her approach to messaging but also offers insight into her vision for the future of the country.

Furthermore, the popularity of the phrase among both supporters and critics demonstrates how quickly phrases can gain traction in today's media landscape. In some ways, its ubiquity, and the resulting dialogue around it, is a testament to its effectiveness as a tool of communication.

On Thursday, October 8, 2024, during an event in Ankeny, Iowa, Harris stated, "We have the ability to see the things we may have never seen before, have the ability to believe in what can be unburdened by what has been." This quote further emphasizes the forward-looking stance associated with the phrase.

While the phrase has undeniably become a part of Harris's political persona, and its origins and effectiveness continue to spark debate, it is clear that it serves as a concise summary of a broader political philosophy and a reflection of the importance of rhetoric in the current political landscape. The influence of this seemingly simple statement will likely resonate and develop within political discourse for a long time.