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Democrats Urge Harris to Prepare for Trump’s Incoming Onslaught
As the Democratic convention approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris finds herself in a favorable position, according to those close to her campaign. Just over three weeks after announcing her candidacy, Harris has effectively solidified her support base and is drawing sizeable crowds at events.
Recent polls indicate that she is regaining ground in critical battleground states where President Biden previously lagged behind former President Trump. Moreover, there are indications she might be expanding her reach into new areas.
Democrats believe the compressed timeline is advantageous for Harris. As she builds momentum, Trump’s campaign struggles to establish a clear narrative against her. In response to her growing appeal, Trump has launched a series of high-profile media events aimed at pressuring Harris into answering tough questions and clearly articulating her policies.
Despite these pressures, Harris appears committed to her strategy. While she has pledged to participate in an interview before the end of August, strategists assert that sticking to her current approach is wise. “As Democrats, we now have more of an opportunity to win than we did a month and a half ago,” commented Democratic strategist Rodell Mollineau. He noted that although there’s increased optimism, the path to victory is far from certain.
Mollineau emphasized that significant enthusiasm exists within the party, but transforming that excitement into votes remains a challenge. He pointed out that various factors, including the conflict in Gaza and perceptions surrounding a fragile economy, could pose challenges ahead.
With fewer than 80 days until Election Day, Harris has maintained a relatively low public profile in the lead-up to the convention. However, she is expected to campaign in Maryland alongside Biden on Thursday, where they will discuss initiatives aimed at reducing costs for American families.
Previously, inflation was a predominant concern for voters, and both parties anticipate it will resurface as a pivotal issue in the upcoming campaign. While Harris has shown improvement in her economic standing compared to Trump, Democrats still harbor concerns regarding her potential missteps on this front.
One key opportunity for Harris will come during the upcoming debate on ABC News scheduled for September. Democrats are eager to see how she, drawing on her background as a former prosecutor, will handle Trump, who was convicted on multiple counts in a criminal trial earlier this year.
However, Jamal Simmons, a former communications director for Harris, warned that Democrats need to approach the debate with realistic expectations. “Although the vice president has strong prosecutorial skills and will likely perform well against Trump, remember that she hasn’t been on a debate stage in four years,” Simmons cautioned. “While she may excel, it’s unlikely that Trump will be left completely rattled.”
Currently, even some Republicans privately concede that the Democrats are gaining an upper hand in this race. “We have an undisciplined candidate who struggles to focus on key issues like the economy, border security, and international conflicts,” remarked a former Trump advisor. “If the election were held today, Harris would come out ahead.”
A recent New York Times/Siena College poll showed Harris leading Trump in crucial battleground states such as Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, a poll from USA Today/Suffolk University indicated she is making strides in Florida—a state that has historically leaned toward Trump in past elections.
Yet, Democrats are aware of the close nature of the race, and concerns persist about allowing Republicans to capitalize on her lack of news conferences or direct interviews. “In an ideal world, I’d suggest she do a few in-depth sit-downs,” said one strategist. “But thus far, the lack of such engagements hasn’t appeared to hurt her. Are voters really asking why she hasn’t spoken to Jake Tapper yet?”
Overall, Democrats are pleased with Harris’s campaign performance thus far. Many experts believe there is little that should be altered at this juncture. Democratic strategist Joel Payne remarked, “Had you asked Kamala Harris what her ideal scenario would be after Biden’s announcement, she could not have envisioned a better situation for herself.”
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