There's no denying it: the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election is heating up, with Vice President Kamala Harris finding herself at the center of both fervent support and fierce criticism. With just weeks before Election Day, her campaign is ramping up efforts to draw voters, focusing particularly on key battleground states like Georgia and North Carolina.
Harris is certainly not sitting back. She's hopping onto stages for TV interviews, appearing on podcasts, and campaigning with various endorsers. Aiming to connect with those pivotal swing voters who have enjoyed Nikki Haley's candidacy yet harbor reservations about Trump, she's attempted to straddle the political divide. Harris even mentioned her Glock, partnered with Liz Cheney during appearances, and expressed willingness to include Republicans in her Cabinet. But her left-leaning approach to Bernie Sanders supporters could be described as somewhat less visible.
One of the more surprising strategies has been the decision to include former President Bill Clinton, fabled for his 'Big Dog' charisma, in her campaign efforts. Recently, he delivered less than stellar speeches, captivating only the most concerning critics, yet he's set to hit the trail advocating for Harris. The plan? To attract rural voters and especially younger Black men, as reported by CNN.
This tactic seems puzzling to many, considering Clinton's recent polling track record. YouGov data reveals his popularity is notoriously low, hovering close to President Biden’s unfavorable ratings—only slightly more liked than the sitting president. Harris and others like Bernie Sanders, Barack Obama, and even Hillary Clinton appear to have higher favorability metrics. This underwhelming popularity makes one wonder why the Harris campaign thinks Bill Clinton would be a boon rather than liability.
From the Northern Carolinian perspective, Clinton presents challenges. His legacy from the 90s over free trade and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) isn't easily brushed aside. North Carolina has witnessed significant losses—over 328,000 manufacturing jobs from 1994 to 2018—largely attributed to policies initiated during his administration. The textile and furniture sectors, which were heavily relied upon by rural communities, took particularly hard hits. Rural voters often remodel their loyalties according to their economic realities, and Clinton is not revered among these demographics. Biden’s administration has worked hard to distance itself from free trade, focusing instead on rebuilding domestic manufacturing—an agenda Harris is promoting alongside her own as vice president.
On the flip side, Clinton might also struggle to connect with younger Black voters, particularly because of his advocacy for the 1994 Crime Bill, which has carried a distinctly negative stigma in modern political discourse. Even if one were to argue the bill didn't cause mass incarceration, its association with crime and punishment still echoes through communities affected by strict sentences and aggressive policing policies. Many younger Black voters today may very well have family members who experienced its harsh realities.
Adding to the discomfort is the baggage Clinton carries—his past affiliations, sexual misconduct allegations, and connections to figures like Jeffrey Epstein make him a complicated ally for campaigns drawing focus toward women’s rights. Harris's campaign needs to align closely with issues of women’s autonomy and rights; introducing Clinton amid all this could be seen as sending mixed signals.
It's worth recalling past election strategies; Clinton has been deployed previously to support Democrats under precarious circumstances. Just last year, he campaigned for Sean Patrick Maloney, who was fighting for his seat earned under then-President Biden's favor, yet lost. This precedent does not inspire confidence.
Leaders from the Democratic establishment have seemingly accepted Clinton's involvement, with even Republicans like Newt Gingrich nudging Harris's campaign to stick with the veteran politician. But to observers, his historical baggage could weigh heavily on her message, particularly when appealing to demographics he may alienate.
Meanwhile, responses within the polling arena show Trump has retained notable momentum. Internal polling indicates Harris is trailing Trump across several key battleground states: Georgia (by 7 points), North Carolina (by 6 points), Pennsylvania (by 4 points), and even Michigan (by 2 points). These revelations flourish alongside the positive voter sentiment Harris enjoyed from her participations before. While she is still capturing attention and rallying support—raising over $1 billion since announcing her candidacy—her standing remains precarious with Trump deftly regaining territory across various demographics.
Polls exhibit dynamic shifts too, as recent data indicates Harris has gained traction with suburban voters. The Economist/YouGov poll shows Harris leading Trump, albeit narrowly (49% to 45%). Yet analysts still caution against complacency. Historical polling errors could result from miscalculations leading voters astray again, like those experienced prior to the last two elections.
At the heart of the Harris campaign is also the powerful vocal support from former President Barack Obama. Recently, he stirred up crowds at a campaign stop at the University of Pittsburgh. His speech denounced Trump's tactics surrounding misinformation, particularly how he exploited vulnerable situations during catastrophes. Obama's contribution revolves around reminding voters of the stark contrasts between Harris's values and Trump's shifting narratives.
While some analysts remain cautiously optimistic about the potential shift back toward Harris, particularly with suburban support bolstering her position, others hold doubts as to how sustainable this newfound momentum might be. Only the coming weeks will reveal whether this energy can be maintained through the final hours leading up to Election Day.
Harris's campaign intertwines resilience with uncertainty, drawing upon seasoned political veterans like Obama and Clinton. Yet the question remains—will these actions resonate with voters or only amplify the fractures within the Democratic Party's base?
