Harris and Trump Grapple with a Transformed Race for the White House
28.07.2024: Enthused Democrats have embraced Harris’s late entry into the race, while Trump and his allies have scrambled to hone attacks on her.
ST. CLOUD, Minn. — As Donald Trump supporters gathered for a rally here, a notable change was evident. The usual merchandise targeting President Biden was replaced with new items targeting Vice President Kamala Harris, the new likely Democratic nominee. This shift is a small but telling sign of how rapidly the White House race has transformed since Biden withdrew last Sunday.
A Surge in Democratic Enthusiasm
Democrats have swung from despondency to jubilance with a surge of fundraising, volunteering, and meme-making. The excitement is palpable, with one dance club even thumping to an excerpt of a viral quote from Harris about falling from a coconut tree. This newfound energy contrasts sharply with Republicans’ struggle to adapt to Biden’s exit and develop a clear message against Harris, with just 100 days until the election.
Polls Show a Tight Race
A new national survey by the Wall Street Journal shows a tight race, with 49 percent of registered voters supporting Trump and 47 percent backing Harris, compared to Trump leading Biden by six percentage points before Biden dropped out. New Fox News polls in battleground states show the candidates statistically tied in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, with Harris leading by six points in Minnesota.
Mixed Reactions from Trump Supporters
Interviews with rallygoers ahead of a Trump event reflected the mixed attacks Republicans are trying against Harris. Supporters criticized her role in the administration’s response to migration, labeled her as liberal, and questioned the process of replacing Biden on the ticket. Pro-Trump super PACs have launched ads attacking Harris on various fronts, including her liberal voting record.
Harris allies responded with a new spot touting her work as a prosecutor, state attorney general and vice president. The super PAC Future Forward said it would spend $50 million boosting Harris ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August. Another group, American Bridge 21st Century, is resuming Trump attack ads in battleground states.
Harris’s Counter-Attacks
Harris, meanwhile, has been assertive in her response. At a fundraiser in Pittsfield, Mass., she stated, “I will proudly put my record against his any day.” Harris allies have responded with new ads touting her work as a prosecutor, state attorney general, and vice president. The super PAC Future Forward plans to spend $50 million boosting Harris ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August.
Attacks on Trump’s New Running Mate
Harris allies are also targeting Trump’s new running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio). They highlight his past derogatory comments about Democrats, including Harris. Second gentleman Doug Emhoff criticized Vance at a door-knocking event in Stevens Point, Wis., calling him a “weirdo.”
Fundraising and Grassroots Efforts
Harris’s campaign is experiencing a surge in contributions, raising $126 million from 1.4 million donors in the three days after Biden endorsed her. This marks a reversal of fortunes for Democrats, who had previously lagged behind Republicans in fundraising. Harris’s fundraiser in western Massachusetts brought in $1.4 million for the campaign.
A Changed Campaign Landscape
Across pivotal swing states, the Harris campaign is hosting 2,300 grassroots events this weekend to mobilize supporters. Several of these events double as auditions for potential running mates, including Govs. Tim Walz of Minnesota, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan.
Trump’s Response
Trump, meanwhile, spoke at a bitcoin conference in Nashville, where he continued to attack Biden and Harris. Later, he joined Vance for a rally in Minnesota. Rally attendees expressed skepticism about Harris’s effectiveness but also hinted at apprehension that the race just got tougher.
As the race for the White House heats up, both sides are gearing up for a fiercely contested election, with Democrats energized by Harris’s entry and Republicans scrambling to adapt.