Vice President Kamala Harris is ramping up her outreach efforts as she approaches the 2024 presidential election, prioritizing regions where her candidacy could sway key voter blocs. Notably, she is focusing on the state of Arizona, enlisting the support of influential members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as Mormons. Harris’s campaign strategy is to convey how Donald Trump’s values diverge from those promoted by the church, particularly on social issues.
On September 19, 2024, Harris's team announced the formation of an advisory committee aimed at fostering connections with Latter-day Saints, who constitute nearly 450,000 individuals—around six percent of Arizona’s population. The potential impact of this demographic is significant; traditional voting patterns suggest they tilt Republican, but the upcoming election could challenge this norm. Harris’s campaign believes former church members are also worth courting, as they could prove pivotal for her bid.
One key element of Harris's argument is the moral contrasts she presents between herself and Trump. While many religious voters may find certain policy positions appealing under the previous administration, their values of humility and morality create friction with Trump’s often brash rhetoric and behavior. This sentiment resonates deeply within the Mormon community. Many church members disapprove of Trump’s language and have expressed discomfort with his attitudes toward women and minorities. Harris's outreach efforts are set to leverage these concerns, framing her candidacy as more aligned with their beliefs.
Simultaneously, Harris participated in another major campaign event days later, where she engaged with Oprah Winfrey during the “Unite for America” live streaming event held in Farmington Hills, Michigan. This marks Winfrey’s return to the talk show format, focusing on supporting Harris as she seeks the presidency. The 90-minute session featured discussions on contentious issues like abortion rights, gun control, and the events surrounding January 6, 2021, illustrating Harris's alignment with progressive stances.
During the event, Winfrey emphasized the importance of engaging independent voters and rallying support for Harris’s bid for the presidency. This strategy aims not only to consolidate the Democratic base but also to appeal to moderate voices within the electorate, especially as polling indicates the potential for divided opinions along many issues. Harris’s ability to effectively communicate her policies and connect with voters—both her base and independents—will be imperative as the election approaches.
“It’s about bringing our stories together,” Winfrey said during the session, signaling the overarching theme of solidarity and cooperation within Harris's campaign narrative. The Vice President’s outreach to various constituencies reflects her intention to build momentum leading to the election, emphasizing unity amid political and social divides.
Harris understands her political positioning and the unique demographic challenges presented by various voter groups. She’s actively crafting messages meant to resonate with youth voters, women, and other traditionally Democratic-supporting blocs, along with those who find common ground on moral grounds, such as the Latter-day Saints.
Meanwhile, Harris’s campaign is also juggling growing external pressures from both sides of the political spectrum. On one hand, supporters call for her to staunchly advocate for progressive policies, particularly related to reproductive rights and firearm reform. On the other, critics, including multiple Republican figures, have dismissed her efforts as insufficient or misaligned with current needs. Harris has countered these points by reinforcing her track record on civil rights and community engagement during her time as both California’s Attorney General and as the U.S. Senator from California.
The approaching election signifies a high-stakes moment for Harris, one where her outreach strategies might define her path toward securing Democratic support, especially as she seeks re-election. The stakes are particularly high considering the fact her decisions—such as engaging celebrities like Oprah and appealing to church voters—mark pivotal strategies for gaining ground with key demographics.
With the Arizona advisory committee now established, it outlines Harris's commitment to grassroots efforts and localized outreach. By directly addressing the concerns and values of Latter-day Saints, her campaign hopes to create pathways for dialogue and eventually votes.
What’s clear is this: Kamala Harris isn’t just waiting for voters to come to her. She’s actively seeking where she can connect, change minds, and earn their trust. And with the presence of figures like Oprah Winfrey advocating for her, it seems her campaign is poised for friendlier terrain as it negotiates these challenging political waters.
