Harris Gains Ground on Trump in Key States Before DNC

This week’s Sunday talk shows are expected to spotlight Vice President Kamala Harris as she leads in polls for the Democratic nomination against former President Donald Trump in crucial battleground states.

Harris has experienced a notable surge in her political standing following President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. She has quickly ascended to the forefront of the Democratic ticket and announced her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. With the Democratic National Convention (DNC) set to begin in Chicago next week, she enters with heightened support from party members, a stark contrast to the disappointment many felt after Biden’s challenging debate performance earlier this year.

Recent polling by The New York Times and Siena College indicates that Harris is currently performing well against Trump. In states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, she boasts a 4-point lead. In Arizona, the gap widens to 5 points, while she holds a narrow 2-point advantage in North Carolina. Notably, she is only 1 point behind Trump in Nevada and trails by 4 points in Georgia.

With the convention approaching, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is scheduled to appear on CNN’s “State of the Union” this Sunday. Earlier this month, Pritzker expressed his enthusiasm for the DNC, labeling it as “phenomenal” and noting that the sense of excitement is palpable among attendees.

Pritzker remarked on the venue, stating, “The United Center, which is where the convention will happen, is being spruced up, lookin’ terrific.”

Massachusetts Representative Seth Moulton, one of the early contenders who called for Biden to step aside, will be featured on “The Hill Sunday” on NewsNation. Moulton recently defended Walz against Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance’s criticisms regarding his military background. Moulton, a Marine Corps veteran, took to social media to challenge Vance’s remarks.

“When are @JDVance and Trump going to stop denigrating the men and women who honorably serve our country?” he wrote. He further stated, “JD knows personally that signing up to serve does not always mean you see combat — 90% of servicemembers don’t.”

In his posts, Moulton emphasized his respect for Walz, affirming, “I’m proud to have served in the House alongside @Tim_Walz because I’m proud of his service as a true American patriot.”

Two other politicians speculated to be in the running for the vice presidential nomination alongside Harris are Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. Both leaders will also appear on CBS’s “Face the Nation” this week. Kelly recently expressed his support for Walz, challenging Vance’s critique of the Governor’s military service.

“Hey @JDVance, did you forget what the [United States Marine Corps] taught you about respect? Tim Walz spent DECADES in uniform,” Kelly, a retired Navy captain, remarked on X.

Additionally, the Sunday shows will feature a diverse lineup of guests. On NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday,” viewers can expect to see Rep. Seth Moulton, Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley, and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

On ABC’s “This Week,” Senator Tammy Duckworth and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will appear. NBC’s “Meet the Press” will host Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Lindsey Graham, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Meanwhile, CBS’s “Face the Nation” will feature Senator Mark Kelly, Representative Mike Turner, Governor Andy Beshear, Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Anne Milgram, and Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President Austan Goolsbee.

Lastly, CNN’s “State of the Union” will bring in Representative Hakeem Jeffries, Governor J.B. Pritzker, and Governor Chris Sununu. “Fox News Sunday” will include GOP vice presidential nominee Senator J.D. Vance and Senator Chris Coons from Delaware.

As the political landscape shifts, all eyes are on Harris as she navigates this pivotal moment for the Democratic Party.

Source: Various