Amid President Biden’s recent exit from the race, Democrats are rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris, yet some concerns linger regarding her appeal in crucial battleground states. While the party is visibly enthusiastic about Harris’s candidacy, they are aware of the challenges she faces.
Despite an uptick in endorsements and enthusiasm, with polls showing a rise in donations and voter engagement, key Democratic figures worry about Harris’s potential to win over voters in critical northern states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. These states are essential for a victory in the Electoral College, and without strong performance here, Harris’s path to the presidency could be significantly hindered.
One Democratic strategist highlighted the dilemma: “Harris has energized the base, but the pressing question remains whether she can attract the swing voters necessary to secure a win. There is ongoing concern about her ability to perform in these pivotal areas.” Recent polls reflect this uncertainty, with Harris trailing former President Trump in Pennsylvania and Michigan, and tied in Wisconsin. Although Biden was also struggling in these states before his withdrawal, the demographic composition of these areas has historically been challenging for Democrats.
There’s speculation that Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro could be a valuable vice-presidential choice to bolster Harris’s appeal. Representative Jim Himes underscored the need to maintain enthusiasm among young voters while also addressing the concerns of blue-collar workers in regions like western Pennsylvania. “Our goal is to broaden our coalition without alienating key voter segments,” Himes noted.
A New York Times/Siena poll did show some positive movement for Harris, indicating a narrowing gap with Trump and increased voter enthusiasm. However, the challenge remains in translating this enthusiasm into a decisive Electoral College victory. Republican strategists, such as Kevin Madden, suggest that Harris’s appeal might fall short in the “blue wall” states due to her stark contrast with Biden’s more relatable persona to working-class voters.
Some key Democratic donors have voiced concerns about Harris’s potential to capture the crucial blue-collar white voter base. Despite her strong debut, they worry about replicating Biden’s success with this demographic, particularly as Harris works to strengthen her narrative and connect with moderates and independents.
Republican operative Matt Gorman emphasizes the necessity for Harris to maintain Biden’s appeal among white male voters while also building stronger connections with minority communities. He describes the need for balance as a “see-saw” challenge.
As the campaign progresses, Harris is expected to intensify her focus on battleground states, with notable appearances and strategic engagements planned. Her campaign aims to leverage her track record and address key issues to resonate with voters. Jen O’Malley Dillon, Harris’s campaign chair, underscores the importance of connecting with voters and building on the Biden-Harris coalition while noting that Trump has not expanded his base.
Reflecting on past lessons from the 2016 election, Democrats are hopeful that Harris will avoid the pitfalls that contributed to Hillary Clinton’s loss, particularly by engaging effectively with voters in critical states. As the election approaches, the focus will be on Harris’s ability to consolidate support and make a compelling case to voters across the country.