Harris must address key issues to win swing states in 2024
2024-09-15 00:00- Kim Darroch, a former UK ambassador, states that Trump is likely to win unless Kamala Harris addresses key campaign failings.
- He warns that Harris must focus on swing states and avoid media avoidance, which hurt Hillary Clinton in 2016.
- Darroch concludes that a proactive campaign strategy is essential for Harris to connect with voters and secure a Democratic win.
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Insights
Former British ambassador to the US, Kim Darroch, has warned that Donald Trump remains the likely winner of the upcoming presidential election unless Kamala Harris addresses significant shortcomings in her campaign. Despite performing well in a recent debate, Harris risks repeating mistakes made by Hillary Clinton in 2016, particularly by not engaging sufficiently with the media and failing to connect with voters in crucial swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Darroch emphasizes the importance of targeted policies to revitalize struggling communities, which could sway voters back to the Democratic side. He also suggests that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer should establish connections with both Trump and Biden to maintain diplomatic balance ahead of the election, as failing to do so could lead to resentment from the Trump camp. Darroch's insights highlight the critical nature of Harris's campaign strategy as the election approaches, stressing the need for a proactive approach to media engagement and voter outreach to secure a Democratic victory.
Contexts
In the lead-up to the November 5 election, Kamala Harris has regained a slight lead over Donald Trump following a debate in Philadelphia, where many viewers believed she performed better. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Harris ahead by five points, although the overall election remains tight, particularly in key battleground states. Trump has declared he will not participate in a second debate with Harris, claiming victory in the first encounter. Despite his assertions, polls indicate that Harris's performance resonated positively with viewers, prompting her campaign to call for another debate. Trump's reluctance to engage further suggests a strategy to avoid potential pitfalls in future debates. Polling analyst Nate Silver notes that while Harris leads in national polls, the election is still Trump's to lose, with stagnant disposable income being a significant predictor of voter behavior. This indicates that Harris must actively shape the news cycle to maintain her advantage. The Trump campaign is focusing on mobilizing swing voters, utilizing volunteers to reach out to those who have not consistently voted. However, they face challenges from the Biden-Harris campaign, which has a larger volunteer base and more fundraising capabilities, complicating Trump's efforts to secure a win in the upcoming election.
