Progressive Democrats are warning Kamala Harris that she risks losing the support of her political base if she does not change her campaign’s closing message and the messengers immediately. They believe that Harris has been too focused on winning over moderate Republicans, neglecting her party’s passionate liberals and ignoring the economic struggles of the working class. Some are frustrated that Harris has shared the stage with Republicans like Liz Cheney and Mark Cuban while sidelining progressive icons like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Sanders, in an interview with The Associated Press, expressed concern that Harris needs to start talking more to the needs of working-class people, emphasizing that there are more working-class voters who could support her than conservative Republicans. Despite his participation in numerous Harris campaign-related events, Sanders has not appeared alongside Harris. The Harris campaign believes there are still undecided moderates, with a focus on building a coalition that includes African Americans, Latinos, young people, and disaffected Republicans, especially in suburban areas.
Harris’ campaign is aiming to win over undecided or persuadable swing-state voters, with a strategy that targets moderate Republicans, including those who are receptive to messages attacking Trump. However, some progressives are frustrated by her approach, feeling that it is essential for Harris to focus more on the economy and address voters’ concerns about the state of the economy and the direction of the country. There is a sentiment among progressives that Harris should prioritize economic issues in her closing message.
While Harris is not ignoring the economy or other progressive priorities, some progressives are concerned that the campaign has not featured progressive leaders like Sanders or Ocasio-Cortez in higher-profile spots. Progressive groups warn that as many as 10% of progressives may not vote for Harris due to their frustrations, with some potentially supporting Trump. Harris has outlined plans to address economic issues like price gouging, reducing the cost of groceries, cutting taxes on the middle class, and expanding Medicare, among others. The campaign has also featured figures like Ocasio-Cortez and United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain.
Former President Barack Obama has been active in the campaign’s closing days, headlining events with Harris to attract progressive voters. Meanwhile, Trump continues to focus on issues like the economy, inflation, immigration, crime, and foreign policy in his campaign messaging. He is set to outline his formal closing message at Madison Square Garden in New York City, emphasizing his ability to fix the economy and border issues. Harris has acknowledged progressive discontent with her leadership on issues like Israel but emphasized the importance of addressing economic concerns and protecting democracy.
