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I’ve spent several years reflecting on the concept of authenticity. I believe it’s a quality that American society craves, yet it’s also one that remains elusive and difficult to define.
This desire for authenticity is clearly observable in our presidential race, where Donald Trump’s supporters see him as a straight talker who says exactly what he means, in stark contrast to his critics, who characterize him as a deceptive salesman willing to say anything for his own gain.
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. (Getty Images)
Conversely, supporters of Kamala Harris see her as a devoted public servant with a wealth of experience, while many Republicans perceive her as a chameleon, frequently changing her political stance.
So, is either of them authentic? Or neither? What does authenticity really mean?
My exploration of this perplexing concept started at a quaint dive bar in Venice Beach called Hinano. After a long drive from Brooklyn to L.A., that day took me through scenes that resembled a series of Bob Ross paintings—from lush green forests to barren beige deserts, with stunning moonscapes and vibrant Indian trading posts interspersed.
While enjoying my burger and beer, I experienced what Jack Kerouac referred to as “end of the land sadness.” Although the ambiance was nice, with sawdust covering the floors and a Beach Boys cover band playing, I couldn’t help but ponder, was this place truly authentic?
Hinano Cafe in Venice Beach has earned its authenticity. (Instagram/Hinano Cafe)
Having been around since 1962 and purportedly a favorite of Jim Morrison, Hinano had a certain charm. However, it also felt as if we were all participating in a reenactment of a bygone era, as if we were at a 1960s California Renaissance Fair. I found I could hold both perceptions simultaneously.
I thought about Hinano when Donald Trump had a notably amusing interview at the National Association of Black Journalists, where he implied that Harris only recently started identifying as Black, suggesting she previously identified as Indian. This sparked roughly 15 minutes of outrage before fading from view.
When I asked a woman who was incensed by Trump’s comments if she thought it would sway any votes, she instantly replied, “no.”
It became evident to me—and to those I spoke with, regardless of their political affiliation—that this was merely Trump being unapologetically Trump. He is an exceptionally singular character.
Having been in the public eye for 50 years, Donald Trump has cultivated a persona as a stylish contrarian who never shies away from controversy or offers apologies. Though this consistency is evident, to his adversaries, it feels contrived—as if Trump has embodied a character so thoroughly that he can no longer distinguish between the persona and the individual.
On the other hand, perceptions of Harris are distinctly different. Many Republican voters are outraged by their belief that she shifts her stance on issues ranging from fracking to health care without any challenge from the liberal media. To them, this behavior embodies the essence of inauthenticity. However, Democratic voters hold a different perspective.
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From my conversations, many Democratic supporters view Harris as someone who has dedicated her life to party politics and knows how to adapt to the collective’s needs. Paradoxically, in their eyes, such adaptability is quite authentic. It’s worth recalling how Barack Obama “evolved” in his stance on gay marriage, initially opposing it due to his strong Christian beliefs, only to support it once it became politically viable.
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Trump’s remarks about Harris’ supposed racial code-switching pinpointed his critique of her perceived inauthenticity—accusing her of impersonating different versions of herself for varying audiences. This aspect of Harris raises questions in the minds of undecided voters, who remain uncertain about her true identity.
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As we approach the Democratic National Convention, both parties will aim to shape Harris’s image in the eyes of undecided voters. However, allegiance to party ideals alone will not suffice for these voters; they need to witness the genuine Kamala Harris and be convinced that the same person would lead if elected to the Oval Office next year.
Ultimately, after several years and various experiences, I’ve concluded that Hinano embodies authenticity, but it had to earn that distinction. The same holds true for the vice president, who is racing against the clock to prove her own authenticity.
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