Harris Campaign Gains Momentum in Final Days Amid Tight Race Against Trump

Vice President Kamala Harris and her team are confident about their standing in the last hours of the presidential race, fueled by recent signs of support from undecided voters and a surprising poll in Iowa showing Harris leading in a traditionally Republican stronghold. After a period of concern, as former President Donald Trump seemed to gather momentum, the Harris campaign is now optimistic.

A critical shift has emerged in Harris’s favor, with data suggesting an advantage among last-minute deciders, especially women, which could prove pivotal in the election outcome. “Vice President Harris looks to be in a strong position going into Election Day,” remarked Jamal Simmons, Harris’s former communications director. “The data is leaning in her direction and she’s got the gait of a winner.” Simmons also observed, “People are ready to turn the page on the Trump era.” His views echo the optimism of Democrats who saw Harris’s rise in popularity following her nomination, though the campaign has faced ups and downs since then.

Democrats grew concerned as Harris’s economic messages appeared to struggle in key “blue wall” states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. But recent data, alongside favorable signs from late-breaking voters, has restored optimism. A major turning point occurred after a Trump rally in New York City where a comedian’s comments about Latinos seemingly backfired, causing Trump to lose support, according to campaign focus groups.

As of late last week, Harris’s team reported strong internal polling, showing her leading among a crucial group of battleground-state voters who decided on her in the campaign’s final days. This momentum was further bolstered by an Iowa poll conducted by The Des Moines Register/Mediacom, showing Harris at 47% compared to Trump’s 44%. Although Iowa leans conservative, the Harris team views this lead as an indicator of her potential success in other battleground states. A strategist close to the campaign noted, “Even if she doesn’t win Iowa, it’s a good bellwether for other states like Michigan and Wisconsin and maybe Pennsylvania.” The strategist highlighted that Harris’s support among women and older voters could lead her to victory.

Additional evidence of Harris’s rising support came from a New York Times/Siena poll that reported her leading Trump in several battleground states. Harris held slight advantages in Nevada (49% to Trump’s 46%), North Carolina (48% to Trump’s 46%), and Wisconsin (49% to Trump’s 47%). Georgia was nearly tied, while Pennsylvania and Michigan were neck and neck. The only state where Trump led was Arizona, where he was ahead with 49% to Harris’s 45%.

An NBC News poll on Monday underscored Harris’s strong lead over Trump on abortion, with a notable 20-point advantage. Harris also polled better on representing middle-class interests, an area of concern for many voters.

Democratic strategist Fernand Amandi, who was involved in former President Barack Obama’s Florida victories in 2008 and 2012, observed a shift in mood among Democrats in recent days. Amandi attributed the shift to Harris’s favorable trajectory and suggested that Trump’s harsh rhetoric may have influenced voters’ sentiments. At a recent event, Trump had made controversial remarks about former Rep. Liz Cheney, who supports Harris. Trump referred to Cheney as a “war hawk” who deserved gunfire, prompting significant backlash. “Let’s put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, OK?” Trump said at the Arizona rally, while on stage with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. “Let’s see how she feels about it when the guns are trained on her face.” Trump later clarified, saying he intended to comment on Cheney experiencing combat, not a firing squad.

During a Pennsylvania rally, Trump continued his combative tone, expressing regret about his departure from office in 2020. He also described Democrats as “demonic” and suggested that a gunman aiming at him should also target the “fake news.” These statements have raised concerns within the Harris camp. Amandi stated, “It’s all very chaotic and disturbing, and it’s confirming all the worst fears coming out of the Harris campaign about him.”

Despite the growing optimism within the Harris camp, some Democrats remain cautious. One strategist observed that while energy seems to have shifted toward Harris, the race remains close with polls within the margin of error. Additionally, NBC polling revealed that two-thirds of voters feel the country is on the wrong track. Trump holds a lead over Harris on the economy, polling at 51% to her 41%, and on managing the cost of living, with 52% supporting Trump compared to 40% for Harris.

Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland reflected this uncertainty, commenting, “We’re certainly not the heavy favorites… but we do think we have momentum on our side.” Cardin highlighted the natural anxiety that accompanies high-stakes elections. “There’s real concern about this election. When you have that, you’re going to be always nervous. Even if you were the heavy favorite, you would be nervous.”

Amandi, while sensing Harris’s growing momentum, stopped short of declaring optimism. “I’ll feel optimistic when the networks call 270,” he stated, referring to the number of Electoral College votes required to win the presidency.

With just hours until the election, Harris’s campaign has reason for cautious optimism, thanks to signs of support from crucial demographics. However, the close nature of the race and the high stakes keep both sides on edge as the final results await.