Vice President Kamala Harris is embarked on a two-day bus tour in Georgia, a crucial battleground state that could determine the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.
In a bid to woo voters in the pivotal battleground state of Georgia, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has embarked on a two-day bus tour accompanied by her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The move underscores Georgia's growing importance in the upcoming election, as it is one of seven states likely to decide the winner of the race against former President Donald Trump.
Harris's first campaign trail swing in Georgia came on the heels of last week's Democratic National Convention. By choosing Georgia, Harris is sending a clear message that the state is once again in play for Democrats, after President Biden's narrow victory over Trump in 2020.
Kamala Harris Eyes Georgia's Swing Voters in Battleground Swing State
Currently, polls show Harris with a razor-thin edge over Trump in Georgia, indicating a margin-of-error race within the Peach State. A recent Fox News poll conducted in the state showed Harris with a 50%-48% advantage over Trump among registered voters.
Georgia's Republican Governor Brian Kemp acknowledges the state's competitiveness, emphasizing the importance of Georgia in the path to the White House. He expressed confidence in the Republican Party's ability to win the state but stressed the need for effective mechanics and high voter turnout.
Kamala Harris Eyes Georgia's Swing Voters in Battleground Swing State
The Harris campaign, echoing Kemp's sentiments, highlighted its extensive in-state operation, with over 190 campaign staff in 24 coordinated offices across the state. This time, Harris is focusing on the southern part of the state, deviating from the traditional Democratic strategy of concentrating on metropolitan Atlanta.
Quentin Fulks, who served as Biden's principal deputy campaign manager and now holds the same role for Harris, explained the strategy of competing in both large urban areas and rural counties. This approach aligns with Senator Raphael Warnock's successful re-election strategy two years ago.
Kamala Harris Eyes Georgia's Swing Voters in Battleground Swing State
The Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee (RNC) have criticized Harris's campaign, with senior adviser Brian Hughes claiming that the former president is "fighting and winning in Georgia" due to dissatisfaction with the Democratic administration's policies. RNC spokesperson Morgan Ackley stressed the Republican Party's focus on engaging voters across the state.
Despite the Trump campaign's efforts, the Harris campaign appears to have an organizational advantage in Georgia. Republican strategists acknowledge the need for Trump to receive assistance from Kemp's political machine to mobilize GOP voters in the state.
Kamala Harris Eyes Georgia's Swing Voters in Battleground Swing State
For the past two years, Trump has feuded with Kemp over the former's 2020 election defeat in Georgia. However, Trump has recently softened his tone towards Kemp, praising him on social media. Kemp has stated his support for the Republican ticket in Georgia and believes that voters should focus on the record of the Democratic administration.
Georgia's significance in the presidential race is reflected in the massive ad spending by both the Harris and Trump campaigns. The Trump campaign has reserved nearly $33 million in Georgia airwaves, while the Harris campaign has allocated over $42 million.
Kamala Harris Eyes Georgia's Swing Voters in Battleground Swing State
Political consultant Stephen Lawson emphasized the importance of Georgia in the election, noting that both Harris and Trump face significant challenges in winning the White House without securing the Peach State.
