Labor Day weekend, traditionally seen as the start of the campaign season, now arrives much later in the election cycle, after candidates have already been on the trail for nearly a year and have participated in the first primary debate.
This timing highlights an important aspect of modern presidential campaigns: politicians need vacations too. However, taking a break can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides an opportunity for campaigns to show that their candidates are relatable and just like regular people. On the other hand, a poorly chosen vacation can be fodder for tabloids and alienate voters. The wrong vacation can also derail a campaign faster than a windsurfer toppling over in a wave.
Given these risks, it’s no surprise that most of the presidential candidates this year are keeping a low profile during the holiday weekend. For example, Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor, will be staying home on Kiawah Island, S.C., though she will be heading back to New Hampshire soon. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina has no public events scheduled but plans to play pickleball, a game known for making even the most skilled athletes look foolish.
Former President Donald J. Trump, an avid golfer, did not disclose his plans for the weekend through a campaign spokesperson. President Biden, on the other hand, will be traveling to Florida to assess the damage from Hurricane Idalia before heading to his house in Rehoboth Beach, Del., with his family. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who will also be working through the weekend, has no plans to meet with the president despite the hurricane’s impact on his state.
Some of the potential 2024 candidates have already experienced the perils of taking vacations. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie famously faced criticism for lounging on a deserted beach during a state government shutdown. Vivek Ramaswamy, another potential candidate, will be spending the weekend campaigning in New Hampshire after not taking a day off since launching his campaign.
Even though vacations were once used as opportunities to improve a politician’s image, most of the 2024 candidates are focusing on their work instead of leisure. Previous examples of vacations gone wrong include Michael S. Dukakis checking out of the race in 1988, Hillary Clinton facing political optics concerns on a vacation to the Hamptons in 2015, and John Kerry’s windsurfing being turned against him by the Bush campaign in 2004.
Vacations can also become fashion memes or wardrobe minefields, as seen with Barack Obama’s shirtless beach photo in 2008 and Bill Clinton and Al Gore wearing short shorts in 1993. These instances drew comparisons to Richard Nixon in a suit and wingtips on the beach. Even recreational activities can become campaign liabilities, as demonstrated by John Kerry’s windsurfing being used to highlight his shifting political stances.
Even Labor Day parades, a traditional campaign stop, have fallen out of favor this year. No candidates are participating in the Chapin, S.C., parade, which has historically been a significant event for Republican presidential hopefuls. While some campaigns will have a presence with walkers, trucks, and flags, this is the first time in at least 25 years that no candidates will make an appearance in this parade.
In conclusion, the risks associated with vacations during election campaigns have led most candidates to prioritize work over leisure. They’ve learned from previous mistakes and are careful to avoid vacations that could harm their image or alienate voters. This cautious approach reflects the evolution of modern presidential campaigns and the need for candidates to navigate potential pitfalls in order to stay competitive.
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