Democratic Convention Energy and Harris’ Momentum Worry Republicans

Excitement from the Democratic National Convention, paired with Vice President Harris’s recent surge in popularity, is causing growing anxiety among Republicans. This week saw a pivotal moment for Democrats, culminating in strong support for Harris as a party leader, which many considered unlikely just a month earlier.

Republican strategies are now facing a dramatic shift as they transition from the confident expectations of an overwhelming victory to dealing with new polls that indicate Harris is rapidly closing the gap with former President Trump.

A Senate Republican remarked on the situation, stating, “In some of the swing states, there’s increasing concern that momentum seems to be shifting against us.” This sentiment reflects a rising sense of urgency within the GOP.

Only weeks prior, the Republican Party was riding high after President Biden’s poor debate performance led to significant worries among Democrats. With Trump solidifying his nomination in Milwaukee, many GOP members felt assured of a strong comeback for the former president, backed by favorable polling. Yet, that confidence has now dissipated.

The Democratic gathering in Chicago has sparked comparisons to the electrifying energy that surrounded Obama’s 2008 campaign. Harris’s closing speech at the convention, which focused on her personal story and directly challenged Trump, is expected to further boost her standing in the polls as September approaches.

One Republican senator noted, “They’re starting to understand that this race is going to be a tough contest; it’s not just going to be a knockout punch. They need to tighten their strategy and concentrate on state-specific issues.”

The swift and enthusiastic embrace of Harris by the Democratic base took Republican leaders by surprise, shaking their confidence in the process. A GOP senator expressed concern that it may be time to refocus their strategies amidst apparent panic within their ranks.

The range of Republican messaging against Harris has been inconsistent, with Trump and his allies attacking her background while others urge a return to substantive policy discussions. GOP lawmakers assert that their chances improve significantly when the election centers on policy issues instead of personal attacks.

One Republican operative emphasized the need for more defined messaging, saying, “We have plenty of material to work with. Biden’s age was a critical concern for independents and some base Democrats. Now those same individuals are looking beyond that and considering their options more seriously.”

“We must clearly outline what a Harris administration would entail,” the operative added, emphasizing the importance of holding her accountable for current issues facing the nation.

Poll averages indicate that Harris now leads Trump nationally, as well as in crucial battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. This upswing in support for Harris poses challenges for Republicans who are eager to reclaim control of the Senate. They believe they can flip key seats, including one from Sen. Joe Manchin in West Virginia and another critical position in Montana, where recent surveys show Sen. Jon Tester trailing Republican Tim Sheehy by an average of five points.

Ohio is another focal point, where Republicans are optimistic about Bernie Moreno’s chances against Sen. Sherrod Brown. Yet, GOP strategists express that the race is highly competitive, given Trump’s past victories in the state.

Despite Harris’s rising popularity, Republicans remain confident about reclaiming the Senate. However, her ascent has stunted their prospects in several battleground states where Democratic incumbents seemed vulnerable a few months ago, likely capping their Senate majority aspirations at 52 seats.

Recent polling averages indicate that Democrats like Sens. Jacky Rosen, Bob Casey, and Tammy Baldwin are leading by significant margins, creating a tough path for Republican challengers, despite Trump closely contesting Harris in those states.

In Michigan and Arizona as well, Republican candidates are struggling against incumbents who currently hold an edge, highlighting the difficulties facing the GOP as they navigate this changing electoral landscape.

While some Republican senators did not attend the Democratic convention, the notable presence of swing state incumbents and challengers underscores their commitment to the campaign.

Republicans are also hoping for a temporary boost for Democrats and Harris from the convention that may fade following Labor Day. “We’ll see where we stand in a couple of weeks,” a GOP operative noted. “This was always going to be a competitive race; it’s a jump ball.”

Amid the looming debate scheduled for September 10 between Trump and Harris, the stakes are high. The outcome remains uncertain, especially after Biden’s performance in a past event left a marked impact on his campaign.

How Trump prepares for potential attacks during this debate could be pivotal for the future of the race. One Senate Republican expressed concern for Trump’s readiness against expected accusations concerning his legal troubles, emphasizing the need for effective preparation.

“We have to make sure he’s aware of what’s coming next,” the senator stressed, highlighting the importance of strategic foresight in this evolving political climate.

Source: The Hill