Steele, now host of The Sage Steele Show, made it clear that Americans are usually willing to forgive their leaders when they admit mistakes. It resonates with people because “we all screw up,” she remarked. Steele added that Harris missed a golden opportunity to demonstrate leadership and admit past missteps.

U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., gives an interview to the Des Moines Register’s Rekha Basu after the West Des Moines Democrats summer picnic on Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at Legion Park in West Des Moines. 0703 Harris Klobuchar 016 Jpg

Steele elaborated, saying, “And so, when she continuously refuses to take opportunities to own something and say, I wish we had done this in hindsight, and going forward, here’s how I would do it differently — I would support her in many ways, but right now she’s giving us zero reasons to support her because she refuses to be honest and accountable about anything.”

Jul 9, 2019; Marina del Rey, CA, USA; Sage Steele emcees the Gatorade Athlete of the Year Awards at Ritz-Carlton. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

During her appearance on Newsmax’s Finnerty, Steele didn’t hold back in critiquing Harris’ unwillingness to tackle critical issues head-on. She highlighted that Harris dodged key questions, such as her stance on taxpayer-funded transgender surgeries for inmates and illegal immigrants, and her lack of transparency regarding the administration’s handling of the border crisis.

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Steele stated that Harris could have used this opportunity to “clarify her positions on important issues.” Whether Harris’ attempt to appeal to conservatives landed is up for debate, but one thing is clear—according to Steele, it was an opportunity wasted.

Vice President Kamala Harris gives remarks to a group of Republicans and Independents for Harris at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Oct. 11, 2024.

As reported by Newsmax, Steele firmly believes that voters are craving honesty and accountability from their political leaders, especially in today’s polarized climate.

For many Americans, owning up to mistakes or addressing tough questions directly is a mark of character and leadership. In Steele’s eyes, Harris fell short of these expectations, choosing instead to dodge the pressing issues that voters want answers to. By not offering clear responses or taking responsibility for her administration’s shortcomings, Harris left potential supporters feeling uninspired and disconnected.

Image Credit: Lev Radin - Shutterstock.com

Steele suggested that this lack of openness may further alienate voters who are looking for a leader willing to step up, admit flaws, and course-correct when needed. Without these traits, Steele warned, Harris risks losing whatever support she might have hoped to gain from more conservative or undecided voters.

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