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Kamala Harris spent the entirety of Monday reaching out to independent and Republican voters in the three states that make up the Democratic Party’s “blue wall”.
Just two weeks before the election, Harris traveled through Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin with former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, a vocal anti-Trump Republican.
While it’s not surprising that Harris visited these crucial battlegrounds, she chose a different approach from her usual rally-style events.
Instead, she opted for a “town hall” format alongside Cheney, engaging in discussions with individuals selected to represent the other side of the political spectrum.
The locations, suburban counties outside major cities in each state, were strategically chosen to attract college-educated, traditionally Republican voters who have been leaning towards Democrats in recent polls.
This shift in voter coalitions reflects the changing political landscape in the era of Donald Trump.
According to Pennsylvania-based Republican strategist Craig Snyder, Democrats are actively reaching out to disaffected Republicans, recognizing the importance of hearing from voices within their own party.
During the town hall events, Liz Cheney emphasized the significance of voting based on principles and character, rather than party allegiance.
The questions posed during these events allowed Harris to highlight key campaign messages, addressing issues such as healthcare, foreign policy, and reproductive rights.
The current polling data suggests a close race nationally and in the battleground states, with a significant percentage of Republicans still supporting the party.
However, if Liz Cheney’s belief that there are Republicans who may ultimately vote for Democrats holds true, Harris’s path to the White House could become smoother.
The Harris campaign’s decision to target Trump’s support in potentially vulnerable areas demonstrates their strategic approach as the election approaches.
North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher provides insights into the White House race in his bi-weekly US Election Unspun newsletter. UK readers can sign up here, while those outside the UK can sign up here.
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