With the election looming, Vice President Kamala Harris struggles to finalize her campaign message, facing criticism from analysts.
The Washington Examiner reported that in the final stretch of the election season, Vice President Kamala Harris has found herself grappling with a significant challenge: solidifying her campaign’s core message.
As Election Day approaches, with less than three weeks remaining, the urgency intensifies for Harris to make a definitive statement to the electorate.
Harris's campaign officially began in July, several months after former President Donald Trump hit the campaign trail in November 2022.
This late start has now put her at a disadvantage as she scrambles to define her candidacy.
As Harris endeavors to carve out her message, early voting records in states like Georgia and North Carolina are being shattered, illustrating high voter engagement in this election cycle. This phenomenon underscores the importance of a clear and compelling campaign message that resonates with the electorate.
Sarah Bedford, a noted political analyst, has voiced concerns regarding the timing of Harris’s campaign efforts.
“There’s two weeks left in the election. Typically, right now, candidates should be in turnout mode, not in persuasion mode," Bedford stated, highlighting the critical phase of the campaign where securing existing supporters should be the focus.
According to Bedford, the continued effort to win over undecided voters this late in the game is a precarious strategy for Harris.
“But the fact Kamala Harris has not pivoted to the turnout phase in trying to win over undecided voters, I think, spells trouble for her,” Bedford remarked, signaling potential difficulties ahead for the Vice President’s campaign.
In contrast, Donald Trump has maintained a steady message since the beginning of his campaign. This consistency appears to be paying off as he effectively communicates his position to voters, reinforcing his base’s support.
Bedford compares the strategies of the two candidates, noting, “You see Donald Trump sticking to the same themes. He’s hitting his closing argument on message most of the time." This approach starkly differs from Harris’s, where a clear and potent message has yet to emerge.
Despite these challenges, a recent polling average suggests that Harris still holds a slim 1-point lead.
This indicates that the race remains extremely tight, with every campaign move under scrutiny. The lack of a resonant campaign slogan could potentially sway undecided voters, making each remaining day crucial for Harris.
The comparison between Harris and Trump’s campaign approach provides a clear dichotomy in election strategy. While Trump hones his proven themes, Harris's attempt to establish a new resonant message late in the campaign indicates a strategic misalignment, according to experts.
As early voting continues and the numbers pour in, the pressure mounts for Harris to solidify her message.
The record-breaking turnout observed in key states not only reflects heightened voter interest but also ramps up the stakes for both campaigns.
Bedford’s final thoughts summarize the precariousness of Harris’s position: “Again, with two weeks to go before the election, it’s not the time for candidates to be testing out new messages. Kamala Harris seemingly hasn’t even landed on a message, and we’re two weeks away from the election. That’s a really dangerous position for a presidential candidate to be in."