Jennifer Granholm: Democratic Energy ‘Very High,’ No Room for Complacency

Former Michigan Democratic Governor Jennifer Granholm has expressed optimism about the enthusiasm at the national convention in Chicago as Vice President Kamala Harris prepares to accept the party’s presidential nomination formally.

Granholm highlighted the high energy among Democrats, stating, “It is very high.” She cautioned, however, that maintaining this momentum until Election Day is essential. “People will be exhausted if it stays this high all the way through,” she noted. “But honestly, for Democrats, it has to stay high. There is so much work to do; we can’t take anything for granted.”

Polling data has recently shown positive trends for the Democratic Party, which Granholm attributed to Harris’s growing momentum. “Yes, she’s got momentum, but this does not mean you let up; you accelerate,” she emphasized, urging Democrats not to become complacent.

Granholm’s concerns stem from the unpredictability of former President Donald Trump’s supporters. She recalled how polling underestimated Trump’s backing in previous elections, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant.

“Always concerned about overconfidence. You always have to run like you’re 10 points behind,” Granholm stated, reinforcing her belief that Democrats must keep pushing forward.

Granholm also praised Harris as an inspiring candidate, noting her historic position as a woman of color. However, she stressed that Harris’s appeal extends beyond symbolic representation.

“I do think that it is emblematic of the diversity and coalition that the Democratic Party represents,” Granholm remarked. She pointed out that Harris’s policies are what resonate with voters, complementing her historic candidacy.

As the campaign heats up, Harris is preparing for a vigorous tour leading up to Election Day, scheduled for November 5. She plans to make appearances in various key states, including a stop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the same night the convention is held in Chicago.

Granholm noted that it could be beneficial for Harris to have President Joe Biden join her on the campaign trail. Biden’s presence could help shed light on accomplishments that voters may not be fully aware of, such as significant investments in infrastructure and advancements in science and technology.

“What he’s done is given her a foundation on which to build,” Granholm said. She further explained how Biden’s focus on bipartisanship could appeal to independents and undecided voters. “He can effectively communicate the achievements of this administration,” she added.

Granholm expressed concern about the prevailing perception that Republicans have a better agenda, despite the substantial benefits Democratic policies can bring to ordinary citizens. “For some weird reason, people still seem to think that Republicans have a better agenda, when, in fact, for real people, the agenda that the Democrats are putting forward is so much better,” she concluded.

With the Democratic Party rallying behind Harris and her candidacy, there is hope that the enthusiasm and energy observed at the convention will translate into voter support as the election draws closer.