Amidst Kamala Harris' surge in national polls, Axios reports potential internal discord should swing state polling turn against her.
Axios' Alex Thompson has raised concerns over potential "subtle finger-pointing" within Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign if polling numbers take a negative turn. Thompson cites existing tensions among Harris' team, which includes a mix of her own appointees, Biden loyalists, and Obama operatives from the 2012 campaign.
Thompson attributes the current sense of stability to the positive national polling for Harris. However, he warns that a shift in these numbers could expose latent divisions. "As long as the polls are good, then things are going to keep going well," Thompson said. "But if the polling ever turns south, there are a lot of, sort of, subtle tensions within this world, and you could start seeing some subtle finger pointing."
Tensions Brew Within Harris Camp: Finger-Pointing Looms if Polling Dips
The Harris campaign has been criticized for its limited media engagement, with Harris conducting only a few interviews since becoming the Democratic nominee. Thompson suggests this strategy is based on the belief that the campaign can maintain its momentum by allowing Trump to dominate the headlines. However, he cautions that this approach could prove risky if polling starts to deteriorate.
Despite Thompson's concerns, the Harris campaign remains optimistic about its prospects. Campaign spokesman Brian Fallon has dismissed concerns about the lack of interviews, arguing that Harris' media appearances as Vice President should be considered in assessing her press engagement. Fallon maintains that the campaign will adopt a more aggressive media strategy in the remaining 50 days before Election Day.
Tensions Brew Within Harris Camp: Finger-Pointing Looms if Polling Dips
Nevertheless, the possibility of internal strife within the Harris camp remains a potential vulnerability. Should polling numbers turn against them, the finger-pointing and blame-shifting that Thompson predicts could undermine the campaign's unity and morale.
Meanwhile, recent poll results from the New York Times/Siena College indicate that former President Trump holds a lead over Harris in key swing states such as Georgia, North Carolina, and Arizona. These findings raise further questions about the Harris campaign's ability to maintain its momentum and secure victory in November.
Tensions Brew Within Harris Camp: Finger-Pointing Looms if Polling Dips
As the campaign enters its final stretch, the stakes are high for Harris and her team. If polling numbers continue to favor her, the campaign's internal tensions may remain subdued. However, if the polls turn against her, the potential for finger-pointing and internal discord could threaten the campaign's cohesion and its chances of success.
