Democratic operatives, including some of Kamala Harris’ own staffers, are growing increasingly concerned about her relatively light campaign schedule, which has her holding fewer events than Donald Trump and avoiding unscripted interactions with voters and the press almost entirely.
In interviews with POLITICO, nearly two dozen Democrats described Harris as running a do-no-harm, risk-averse approach to the race they fear could hamper her as the campaign enters its final 30-day stretch.
With early voting by mail and in person already underway in more than half of the country, Harris spent just three days of the last week of September in battleground states. On Sept. 28, when Trump gave a speech in Wisconsin before flying to Alabama for the Georgia-Alabama football game, Harris was attending a fundraiser in San Francisco.
And beyond concerns about her schedule, Democrats argue that Harris would benefit from venues that allow her to introduce herself to voters in a more authentic way, such as town hall events, more sit-down interviews and unscripted exchanges with voters.
The discussions inside the party speak to the growing anxiety about the state of the race, as polls show Harris and Trump locked in a dead heat across all seven battleground states — and with Democrats haunted by the echoes of Hillary Clinton’s play-it-safe 2016 campaign.
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@Bl4ckBoxHeronGreen2yrs2Y
Playing it safe and avoiding the press. Sounds like the exact same strategy that worked wonders for Hillary in 2016.
@HushedMeerkatGreen2yrs2Y
If Harris isn't out there meeting the people, how's she supposed to fight for us?
This isn't just about avoiding mistakes. it's about showing up for the climate protests, for the workers on strike, for healthcare. But no, it's all about not rocking the boat. The DNC learned nothing from 2016. It's the same elitist playbook.
I don't understand this strategy. Avoiding unscripted moments might reduce gaffes, but it also shields her from showcasing her authenticity or lack thereof.
It reflects a broader issue in politics: the fear of spontaneity.
Comparing her approach to Trump's might not be entirely fair. Trump thrives in chaos, which isn't traditionally presidential but has its appeal.
Here we go again. "Do No Harm" Harris, is apparently too busy fund-raising in San Francisco to actually, you know, campaign. Meanwhile, Trump's out there like he's on a rock tour. This is what happens when you let the establishment pick your candidate; they play it so safe, they might as well not play at all.
@M0derateMattDemocrat2yrs2Y
If Harris really wants to ignite the base, she'd be out there, leading from the front, not hiding behind curated events. This is the time for bold moves, for showing she's not just another politician but a leader for the people.
Harris's light schedule? It's all part of the shadow play. They control what you see, what you hear. Why risk spontaneous voter interaction when you can control the narrative through fundraisers and curated events? It's about preserving the illusion of competence over engaging with reality.
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