In the latest edition of the From the Politics Desk newsletter, national politics reporter Alex Seitz-Wald reports from Maine on Rep. Jared Golden, a House Democrat who is distancing himself from the party’s convention and even from endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris. Golden, who is seeking a fourth term in a district he predicts Harris will lose, has always kept his distance from his party, voting more often with Republicans and rarely appearing with other Democratic officials. He believes his party has drifted away from its working-class roots due to the toxic influence of lifestyle leftism. Golden will need Trump voters to split their ticket in order to win one of the whitest and most rural congressional districts in the country.
While not every Democrat needs to court Trump voters as assiduously as Golden, there are concerns about the party losing touch with certain corners of the country. With the Democrats only four seats away from the House majority, every district is crucial. Golden’s allies worry about the consequences of writing off efforts like his. At a parade in Maine, Golden was praised by a Republican supporter for being bipartisan and doing a good job. His campaign strategy involves highlighting how he fought against President Biden’s administration and worked with former President Trump, appealing to a mix of voters in his district.
Meanwhile, national political correspondent Steve Kornacki examines the gender gap in polling between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. While the gender gap in presidential elections has been a feature of American politics since 1980, recent polls have shown a wide gap between Harris and Trump, specifically in battleground states. The gender gap ranges from 7 to 22 points in national polls, which is consistent with recent election results. However, in battleground state polls, the gap has ballooned since Harris became the Democratic candidate, reaching up to 50 points in Michigan. This trend could potentially make the gender gap in 2024 extraordinary if consistently replicated in future polls.
In today’s top stories, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate, Nicole Shanahan, faces a choice of either staying in the presidential race and risking helping Harris win or dropping out to join forces with Trump. Harris’ policy agenda has highlighted the need for Democrats to win control of both chambers of Congress for her biggest goals to have a fighting chance. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear’s comments suggesting empathy for those advocating for abortion access sparked an outcry from Republican JD Vance. It’s primary day in Alaska, Florida, and Wyoming, with key matchups in states like Florida where Rep. Matt Gaetz faces a primary challenger.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that the strategies and decisions made by politicians, especially in battleground states, can have a significant impact on the outcome of elections. The gender gap in polling, the challenges of appealing to a diverse electorate, and the implications of policy decisions all play a crucial role in shaping the future of American politics. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis from the NBC News Politics team.
