Harris/Waltz Campaign What Went Wrong?

 FLORIDA   

Commentary by: E. Eugene Webb PhD 

Recently I drove past a large group of Trump supporters and most of the people driving by with me were honking their horns.

Later, I drove by a large group of Harris/Waltz supporters, women with bullhorns, woman's rights signs, abortion rights signs, LGBTQ rights, all of them yelling and screaming at the traffic. The difference was nobody driving by the Harris group was honking their horns. Most of them just turned their heads or looked the other way. I didn't think a great deal about it at the time, seems like the observing public was already casting their vote.

Kamala Harris's stance on abortion rights in the 2024 election campaign created a divide among certain voter groups. While her strong pro-choice position helped to consolidate support among Democratic and pro-choice voters, especially younger women and urban residents, it also alienated some segments, such as more moderate voters, suburban women, and some undecided or swing voters. These groups tended to prioritize economic and security concerns, and a few felt that Harris’s abortion-focused message did not adequately address broader issues like inflation and job security.

Furthermore, some voters who are traditionally pro-life, or who support state-level control over abortion legislation, felt disconnected from Harris's push for a federal law to codify abortion rights. This focus also widened the gender gap, with more men leaning towards GOP positions, given their prioritization of economic policies over reproductive rights as key election issues

The Harris campaign encountered several key missteps in the 2024 election that impacted its reach and effectiveness. A significant issue was the campaign's struggle to distinguish Harris’s platform from President Biden’s record. With Biden’s administration being broadly unpopular among some voter groups, Harris's close alignment with Biden, particularly on the economy, made it difficult for her to appeal to voters seeking a change in direction.

Additionally, the campaign's efforts to mobilize specific demographic groups, particularly Black, Latino, and Jewish voters, fell short in some swing states like Pennsylvania. Local leaders expressed frustration with the campaign’s lack of engagement and ineffective use of community surrogates. This led to missed opportunities to connect with voters in crucial areas, impacting turnout.

Another misstep was Harris's limited media engagement, which gave opponents an opportunity to label her campaign as overly cautious or scripted. Her decision to avoid direct media interactions, aiming to stay "on-message," was criticized by PR experts as limiting her ability to address voter concerns proactively. Together, these factors contributed to a challenging environment for the Harris campaign in the 2024 election.

The order of top issues in the 2024 U.S. election includes the following, based on their importance to voters: 

Economy and Inflation: As in previous years, economic stability remains a leading concern, with inflation, wage growth, and employment rates being especially significant for both Republican and Democratic voters. 

This issue has gained importance, particularly among Republican voters, who prioritize border security and immigration policies, while Democrats focus on pathways to citizenship and reform measures. 

Health Care: Rising healthcare costs and access continue to be crucial for voters across the political spectrum, especially in the wake of COVID-19 and ongoing debates over Medicare and Medicaid.

Abortion Rights: Following the overturning of Roe v Wade, abortion rights became a central issue, particularly for Democratic voters and swing voters, who seek federal protections or state-level assurances.

Climate Change and Environment: Concern about climate change remains high, especially among younger voters and Democrats, who view it as an urgent, long-term issue requiring immediate government action.

Gun Policy: Gun control and firearm regulations are significant issues, with Democrats generally favoring stricter laws, while many Republicans emphasize gun rights and Second Amendment protections.

Education and Parental Rights: Topics around school choice, curriculum content, and parental control over education have gained prominence, particularly among conservative voters.

Crime and Public Safety: Crime rates and law enforcement policies have been focal issues, with Republicans highlighting crime prevention and Democrats often advocating for criminal justice reform.

These priorities reflect the diverse concerns of the American electorate, with certain issues like the economy and healthcare being consistently crucial, while abortion rights and climate change show heightened importance for specific groups. 

Sources: Newsweek, POLITICO, POLITICO,PEW RESEARCH CENTER

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