Vice President Kamala Harris is leveraging support from prominent Democrats and media appearances to boost her presidential campaign, as polls indicate Republican Donald Trump holds an edge in their race for the White House. On Thursday, former President Barack Obama, 63, held his first rally for Harris in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The campaign also announced that former President Bill Clinton, 78, would campaign for Harris in Georgia and North Carolina.
Campaign spokesman Ian Sams tweeted enthusiastically about Clinton’s involvement, quoting a CNN report that highlighted Clinton’s efforts in rural areas of Georgia and eastern North Carolina.
In Pennsylvania, considered a crucial state in determining whether Trump, 78, or Harris, 59, will become the 47th president, the Democratic campaign has made a significant ad purchase on Philadelphia’s hip-hop and R&B stations. Local radio host Dan O’Donnell noted this move aims to bolster support among black voters.
Barack Obama began a campaign blitz for Kamala Harris in the critical battleground state of Pennsylvania on Thursday night, slamming her opponent, Donald Trump: “We don’t need four more years of arrogance and bumbling and bluster and division.” https://t.co/ckgmVPKR1U pic.twitter.com/VoHgibQFI9
— ABC News (@ABC) October 11, 2024
Harris will also participate in a CNN town hall on 23 October. After becoming the Democratic nominee in early August, Harris initially surged in the polls, surpassing Trump both nationally and in key battleground states. However, with less than four weeks until the election, the outlook has shifted.
The RealClearPolitics polling average shows Trump narrowly leading Harris in five out of the seven critical states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Of these, only North Carolina supported Trump in 2020. Harris holds a slim lead in Wisconsin, but recent surveys have not shown her ahead of Trump in the state since late September.
An internal poll from Wisconsin Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin’s campaign, reported by the Wall Street Journal, indicated that Trump leads Harris by three percentage points in Wisconsin, significantly higher than his 2016 margin over Hillary Clinton.
The Trump campaign released internal polls showing the Republican candidate ahead in key states: five points in Georgia, three in Arizona and Nevada, and one point in Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Political journalist Mark Halperin commented that many Republicans believe Trump can secure the Sun Belt states and Pennsylvania, potentially ensuring his victory. Halperin noted that while Harris could still win, many Democrats are anxious, whereas Republicans, including those at Mar-a-Lago, remain confident.
Most surveys indicate Harris leads among women and college-educated white voters but trails among black and Latino voters compared to President Biden’s 2020 numbers, with Trump performing strongly among male voters. An AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found that although black registered voters view Harris more favourably than Trump, they are less certain of her ability to bring positive change.
Harris’ allies have expressed concerns anonymously to Axios, stating that she appears to be stagnating or declining in polls in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, despite out-fundraising Trump and extensive advertising efforts. Representative Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), running for Senate in Michigan, also voiced concerns about Harris’ standing. Slotkin mentioned in leaked audio that she is struggling in their polling.
A senior Democratic source acknowledged concern over Harris’ narrow margins against Trump but downplayed fears of a significant setback, suggesting the push for a second debate was due to the polling slump. The source noted that the debates benefit Harris and criticised her appearances on lighter media platforms.
Democratic pollster Brad Bannon told The Post that Harris’ new strategy focuses on maximising turnout among core Democratic groups rather than persuading undecided voters. He emphasised the importance of voter turnout for the campaign. A Trump adviser pointed to Harris’ defensive strategy, citing radio ads targeting black male voters and a new initiative for Hispanic men, “Hombres con Harris,” as indicators of her campaign’s concerns.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The New Yorker explores the 2024 presidential campaign’s intense phase, highlighting Democratic anxiety and Republican overconfidence as Kamala Harris and Donald Trump engage in a close and contentious race.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is Kamala Harris doing to boost her presidential campaign?
She is leveraging support from prominent Democrats and media appearances.
Which prominent Democrats are supporting Kamala Harris’ campaign?
Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
How is the Harris campaign trying to gain support among black voters in Pennsylvania?
They made a significant ad purchase on Philadelphia’s hip-hop and R&B stations.
What are the key states where Trump is currently leading Harris?
Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
How is Kamala Harris performing among black and Latino voters compared to President Biden in 2020?
She trails behind Biden’s numbers among black and Latino voters.