Harris Campaign Staffs Up in Battleground States: 'Sun Belt' in Play
By Stephanie Kelly
WILMINGTON, Delaware (Reuters) - In a striking show of determination and strategic maneuvering, Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign is ramping up its staffing efforts across key battleground states, particularly focusing on the Sun Belt. This move underscores a growing optimism within her campaign amidst increasing momentum and support for her White House bid.
This push comes in the wake of a shifting political landscape, where Harris is seen as a rejuvenating force within the Democratic Party. "Our grassroots engagement is proving that Kamala Harris is strong in both the Sun Belt and the Blue Wall - with multiple pathways to 270 electoral votes," Dan Kanninen, the campaign's battleground states director, stated in a memo released on Saturday. The 'Sun Belt,' which encompasses states like Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada, is crucial for any presidential hopeful, particularly given its dynamic demographic shifts and evolving political preferences.
A Compelling Challenge
Since the last presidential election, President Joe Biden managed to secure these vital regions by narrow margins. However, just weeks ago, the Biden campaign openly expressed concerns about the viability of retaining these states, especially the Sun Belt and North Carolina. Harris's rise has not only quelled these fears but has ignited a renewed sense of confidence among Democrats.
With Biden's endorsement of Harris back in July, the campaign has witnessed an astounding influx of support, boasting the enlistment of over 200,000 volunteers and a staggering attendance from the grassroots base, where more than 350,000 supporters joined their inaugural phone banks, rallies, and campaign events. This represents a 350% increase, showcasing a burgeoning enthusiasm for Harris's candidacy.
Strategic Ground Game
The Harris campaign is not resting on its laurels; in the next two weeks, it will introduce 150 new staff members in the Blue Wall states (Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) while significantly bolstering their presence in Arizona and North Carolina through staff doubling. This extensive grassroots infrastructure is crucial, especially as state-by-state dynamics shift following recent polling trends indicating Harris either matching or outpacing former President Donald Trump in various battleground states.
“Our ground game is more extensive than Trump's,” Kanninen confidently noted. In Nevada, the Harris team operates from 13 campaign offices compared to Trump’s solitary location. In Pennsylvania, there are 36 coordinated campaign offices against Trump’s three, and in Georgia, Harris's operation includes 24 offices — illustrating the commitment to local outreach and engagement crucial for a successful campaign.
The Opposition's Dilemma
As the Harris campaign fortifies its strategy, the Trump campaign has announced a $10 million advertising blitz across six battleground states, complemented by a super PAC, MAGA Inc., pledging an additional $32 million in new ads specifically targeting Harris. Despite this substantial financial commitment, political analysts are raising eyebrows at Trump’s relatively sparse grassroots infrastructure, suggesting he may be neglecting essential ground game tactics.
Notable political historian Heather Cox Richardson remarked on this situation during a recent Facebook livestream, expressing concern over Trump's approach: "It really takes feet on the ground, knuckles on doors, meetings with people... He is not trying to get enough votes."
Preparations for the Future
In tandem with campaign staffing efforts, Harris is also looking ahead to the prospect of a vice-presidential ticket. This weekend, she is set to conduct interviews with top contenders for the role, including notable figures such as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Other prominent names in contention include U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, signaling the meticulous preparation and strategy being employed as the campaign gears up for the months leading to the election.
The Polling Landscape
Recent polls reflect a competitive atmosphere, with Harris narrowly leading Trump by a single percentage point. According to a three-day Reuters/Ipsos poll, Harris is currently backed by 43% of registered voters, while Trump trails closely at 42%, falling within the poll's margin of error of 3.5 percentage points. This near parity signals a race that is likely to intensify as both campaigns refine their strategies and expand their outreach efforts across critical regions.
In conclusion, the Harris campaign's aggressive staffing strategy in the Sun Belt and Blue Wall regions not only highlights its commitment to securing vital electoral votes but also encapsulates the evolving dynamics of the 2024 presidential election landscape. As Harris rallies her supporters and bolsters her infrastructure, the stage is set for a closely contested race in the months to come.
(Reporting by Stephanie Kelly; additional reporting by Andrea Shalal and Nandita Bose; Editing by Heather Timmons, Nick Zieminski, and David Gregorio)