Trump’s Unrivaled Strength Undeterred by Harris Joining Race
Indisputably, the initial phase of the political race, before Kamala Harris’ introduction, saw President Trump with a clear advantage against Biden. Biden’s standing in the polls, not only at the national level but also within battleground states, was not up to mark. For instance, we observed a striking six-point deviation in states like Georgia and Nevada, clearly favoring Trump.
Suddenly, with Kamala Harris entering the race, there was indeed a fluctuation in the numbers favoring Biden. Interestingly, the strategic battleground states started reflecting a four to five-point shift. However, contrary to the popular belief, this does not denote any major success for Democrats, nor it signifies a converted support from the Trump admirers to now supposedly lean toward Harris.
What this change actually highlights is that the race which was previously one-sided and clearly favoring Trump, has shifted to a mere contest. Even with this shift, it is imprudent to assume that the states which once showed favoritism towards Trump have now turned in favor of Harris. It should be clearly stated that this is not the case.
On contrary, if we delve into the scenario after Harris joining the race, we see an enhancement of enthusiasm and energy amongst the Democratic Party. It’s as if a football team which was already performing at 70 percent suddenly found its remaining players, making it a contender with full strength. The game turned from a comfortable win to a neck-to-neck contest.
Such a shift is not a significant victory for either side, but just a shift in power. It indicates that the outcome can now be affected by significant game-changing moments, rather than an easy victory construct. The future battle would be influenced by a pivotal play or a surge in support for a favored candidate, turning the game from a relaxed contest into an aggressive competition.
Undoubtedly, one of the major tasks ahead for the Democrats is defining the Harris/Walz ticket. Both candidates are relatively unknown to the public. Even Harris as a Vice President lacks significant public recognition. Their attempt to form their reputation in the public eye seems challenging compared to the Democrats’ past endeavors.
A notable point is the public perception of Harris, which has appeared to shift significantly since Biden’s candidacy. Initially, most seemed to couple her potential with Biden’s baggage, given her position as the vice president. However as the competition progressed, Harris managed to diverge from this notion and perform relatively well in the polls.
Interestingly, across the polls, Harris has seen a remarkable ten-point shift in her favor compared to her initial standing. This comes as hopeful news for the Democrats, as it showcases a gradual disassociation of public’s opinion of Harris from that of Biden. She has successfully managed to free herself from Biden’s shadow, establishing her independent standing amongst her supporters.
However, challenges lie ahead for Harris, as the Republicans attempt to define her political stance themselves. They’ve started painting a picture of her as an extreme liberal, launching calculated assaults against her. Various campaigns are targeting Harris’ stands on sensitive issues like border security and police reform, emphasizing her left-leaning policies during the 2020 campaign.
As events unfold post the Democratic National Convention, it’s crucial for Harris to narrate her own story. She must effectively influence public perception, before the Republicans seize the opportunity to shape her image according to their narrative. The ensuing political battle would be to see who gets to influence the public perception first.
Even though Democrats claim to observe an increase in favorability towards Harris, the Republicans have never faltered in their determination to keep the voters reminded of her roots in the liberal agenda. The party is persistently branding her as a radical left member, relying not only on the electorate’s apprehension of the left’s policies but also reminding them of her public stance in matters of national significance.
In a revived attempt to discredit Harris, Republicans are targeting her opinions during the 2020 campaign, most importantly on matters relating to border control and police reform. By emphasizing these stances, Republicans aim to convince voters of the alleged risks tied with Democratic control, thereby reinforcing the support for their party.
Going ahead, it’s a wait to see how Democrats respond post the DNC. Will they successfully present Harris the way they want? Or will the Republican’s narratives prove more convincing to the voters? The ensuing political battle would be essentially influencing the public perception first.
The political road ahead surely seems stormy and contested. But only time will tell which side will shine through and which claims will be accepted by the electorate. The political battle that awaits post the Democratic National Convention is one to watch for, as it will significantly shape the future of the political landscape.
