Just three weeks into Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, her team received feedback from pollsters—originally from the Biden campaign.

Especially about her speeches on the trail.

Veteran Democratic strategist Geoff Garin praised her efforts but suggested some changes.

He advised Harris to stop using the phrase “We’re not going back,” arguing it lacked a forward-looking focus.

He also suggested toning down her “weird” or negative remarks.

Harris’ team listened but ultimately decided to trust their instincts and stick with what resonated most with the crowds.

When Harris was briefed on the pollsters’ suggestions, she made a bold decision. She chose not to listen to the pollsters directly.

Opting instead to trust her instincts.

Instincts that she had long suppressed due to self-doubt.

This decision paid off, as Harris has surprised even those close to her with how she has been presenting herself in the few weeks since launching her campaign.

Political observers who once doubted her abilities now see a candidate who is confident, concise, and fully comfortable on stage.

Harris’ renewed confidence is partly due to a strategic decision to limit her public appearances and avoid interviews, ensuring her messaging remains strong and focused.

Her only major unscripted moment so far was when she greeted Americans returning home in a prisoner swap organized by President Biden.

Although Republicans quickly circulated a snippet of her somewhat jumbled remarks, Harris remained undeterred.

While some Democratic officials worry that this newfound confidence could set the party up for a fall if she falters, Harris is thriving on the sense of freedom that comes from campaigning for herself rather than in the shadow of Joe Biden.

Her deputy chief of staff, Erin Wilson, noted that this is the first time Harris has been able to speak with such clarity and authority,

Saying, “When she says, ‘I will sign this into law,’ those are words she has never been able to speak before.”

Daniele Monroe-Moreno, the Nevada Democratic Party chair, emphasized that this is Harris’ moment to shine.

“The spotlight is on her now, and this is her time. You can sense that she has a renewed sense of confidence.”

She is also benefiting from years of quietly building a strong internal team, which remains close-knit and highly effective.

As she continues to campaign, it is clear that Kamala is ready to carve her own path.

With a voice that is distinctly her own.