Democrats are expressing deep concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris’s ability to compete against former President Donald Trump in vital “Blue Wall” states. These states, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and North Carolina, are expected to be crucial in deciding the 2024 presidential election. If Trump wins in Pennsylvania, Michigan, or Wisconsin, Harris’s path to victory becomes much more difficult.
Despite Harris’s efforts to unite and energize the Democratic base, there are lingering doubts about her appeal to key Midwest voters. According to a recent Emerson College poll, Trump is leading Harris in Pennsylvania and Michigan, while they are neck-and-neck in Wisconsin.
One major hurdle for Harris is her lack of established relationships in Pennsylvania, a state where Joe Biden had strong connections. To address this, Democrats are considering Governor Josh Shapiro (D) as a possible running mate to bolster Harris’s appeal in Pennsylvania. Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) stressed the need for Harris to attract a diverse coalition of voters, including those in western Pennsylvania who are traditionally blue-collar and union-oriented.
Harris’s position on fracking, a crucial issue for Pennsylvania’s economy, has been a point of contention. Although she has previously expressed opposition to fracking, her campaign appears to be reassessing this stance to avoid losing support in the Keystone State.
Democratic strategists believe there is still time for Harris to reshape her image and connect with voters by focusing on her accomplishments as attorney general, senator, and vice president. Rodell Mollineau, a Democratic strategist, argues that as Harris communicates her vision and record more effectively, she can win over skeptical voters.
In addition to fracking, Harris’s positions on border security and gun control have reportedly shifted. Her campaign now supports increased funding for border security and a less aggressive approach to mandatory buybacks of assault weapons. These changes are aimed at making her more appealing to a broader electorate in the critical “Blue Wall” states, which are essential for a Democratic victory in the upcoming election.
