Kamala Harris/ blue wall states/ 2024 election/ battleground states/ Pennsylvania/ Michigan/ Wisconsin/ campaign strategy/ Newslooks/ MILWAUKEE/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ With just three weeks until Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris is concentrating her campaign efforts on “blue wall” states—Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin—in hopes of preventing a repeat of the 2016 Democratic loss there. Her focus on these critical states reflects a strategic push to secure a clear path to victory, with an active campaign schedule and strong support from influential Democrats.
Harris Zeroes In on “Blue Wall” States with Election Day Approaching – Quick Looks
- Blue Wall Focus: Harris is prioritizing Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, crucial states that went Republican in 2016.
- Campaign Trail: This week, she’s making stops in Pennsylvania, Detroit, and Wisconsin, focusing on local concerns.
- Past Lessons: Democratic pollsters emphasize not taking these battleground states for granted, referencing Clinton’s 2016 loss.
- Support Network: Prominent Democrats, including former President Obama, are campaigning for Harris in these states.
- Upcoming Events: Harris will also campaign in Sun Belt states, aiming to maximize her reach across key regions.
Harris Campaign Intensifies Efforts in ‘Blue Wall’ States
Deep Look
As the clock counts down to Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris has zeroed in on the “blue wall” states—Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin—hoping to prevent a repeat of the 2016 election upset. With a packed schedule, Harris’ team is laser-focused on securing these states, whose electoral votes could prove decisive in her race against Republican candidate Donald Trump.
Harris’ campaign has kept up an active pace in these battlegrounds, kicking off this week with events in Erie, Pennsylvania, where she criticized Trump as “unhinged,” and in Detroit, Michigan, where she rallied with notable actors and entertainers at a community event. In Detroit, Harris joined a radio interview with media personality Charlamagne tha God and was accompanied by actors Don Cheadle, Delroy Lindo, and Cornelius Smith Jr. She further underscored her alignment with historical values and American ideals with a visit to Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, near the Delaware River—a symbolic nod to unity and perseverance.
Key States and Voter Turnout
With Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin playing a pivotal role, Harris’ concentrated approach aims to rebuild what Democrats once considered the “blue wall” in the Midwest, a term reflecting these states’ traditionally Democratic leanings. Joel Benenson, a prominent Democratic pollster and former advisor to Clinton’s 2016 campaign, emphasized the importance of not taking these states for granted. In the previous election cycle, Clinton’s campaign stopped polling in several Midwestern battleground states toward the election’s end, a decision that many analysts believe contributed to her unexpected losses in those regions. “We’ve got a painful lesson in 2016 when we didn’t go to the ‘blue wall’ states, and we lost,” Benenson remarked.
This week, Harris’ events include multiple stops across Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, highlighting a strategic allocation of time and resources. On Thursday, she is scheduled for three events in Wisconsin, including a visit with students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. On Friday, she will hold further events in Michigan, concluding the week with a rally in Detroit.
Outreach Beyond the Midwest
Though the blue wall is a priority, Harris has not neglected Sun Belt states like North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada, where key voting blocs could also influence the outcome. Harris visited North Carolina over the weekend and plans to return to Georgia soon, maximizing her reach across key regions. Democratic pollster Celinda Lake echoed this strategy, noting, “It’s not the only path, but it’s the easiest path to victory.”
Building Local Connections
In Michigan, Harris’ outreach to blue-collar voters in Detroit included conversations about job creation, union support, and economic revitalization, all crucial concerns for voters in this manufacturing-heavy state. During a stop in Arizona, she focused on immigration policies, discussing potential updates to asylum rules at the U.S.-Mexico border.
To maximize campaign presence, Harris’ team is leveraging coordinated offices with state Democratic parties, filling gaps in places where Harris is unable to visit in person. Her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and high-profile allies such as former President Barack Obama are also active on the campaign trail, rallying support in states Harris is focused on.
Democratic Unity and Organizational Strength
The Harris campaign has amassed a strong support network of high-profile Democrats, uniting prominent voices to amplify the vice president’s message. Barack Obama, known for his ability to rally voters, has been making campaign stops on Harris’ behalf, boosting her efforts in the blue wall states. Harris’ campaign also benefits from a larger war chest than Trump’s, allowing for sustained advertising and voter mobilization efforts.
In Pennsylvania, Harris has had repeated campaign events, focusing on the importance of voter turnout. During a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, Democratic Senator John Fetterman, a notable figure in Pennsylvania politics, emphasized the importance of the state’s electoral votes, stating, “You win Pennsylvania, and you’re the next president.”
Contrasting Campaign Strategies
While Harris concentrates on key battlegrounds, Trump’s campaign trail has been more widely spread, covering Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, and Florida. Trump’s recent visit to Detroit drew criticism after he spoke disparagingly about the city’s economic struggles, calling it a cautionary tale for the nation. In response, Detroit community leaders voiced support for Harris, with Tommey Walker, founder of Detroit vs. Everybody, rebuking Trump’s remarks and underscoring the city’s resilience.
Harris, by contrast, has approached Detroit with pride and reverence, highlighting her fond memories of making connections with Detroit students during her time at Howard University. “I just feel a kindred spirit whenever I come to Detroit,” she told the crowd, striking a chord with locals who view Detroit as emblematic of strength and community.
With her schedule in full swing, Harris is determined to avoid the missteps of past Democratic campaigns. The vice president’s focus on these critical states, combined with a strong support network and a well-coordinated campaign, reflects a clear strategy aimed at rebuilding trust with voters across the blue wall and securing a path to victory.
