The prosecutor vs. the felon. Democrats see winning contrast between Harris and Trump. – ABC News
Brief:
Kamala Harris’s campaign for the presidency is drawing comparisons to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 run as she faces Donald Trump. Like Clinton, Harris is dealing with similar political tactics and challenges, navigating a landscape of intense scrutiny and opposition strategies. Her team is focusing on addressing these familiar obstacles while differentiating her platform and appeal to voters. The experience from Clinton’s campaign serves as both a guide and a warning for Harris as she aims to connect with a diverse electorate and counter Trump’s influence.
In 2016, as Hillary Clinton’s supporters gathered at Crabtree’s Kittle House in Chappaqua, New York, the mood shifted from celebration to shock as Donald Trump unexpectedly won the presidency. The group of around 300 had anticipated a victory for Clinton, enjoying a meal paired with wine and champagne. By night’s end, only a few remained, stunned into silence as the election results became clear.
Fast forward to 2024, and Democrats are facing another campaign against Trump, this time with Kamala Harris as their candidate. Many former Clinton supporters see Harris’s nomination as a second chance, determined to apply lessons learned from the past. They recall the morning after Clinton’s defeat, but this time, they feel better prepared for the challenges ahead.
Harris’s campaign is emphasizing key issues like the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, aiming to galvanize voters around this critical topic. The political landscape has evolved, with Trump now a well-known figure, and his tactics are familiar. Harris’s supporters are ready to counter these strategies, focusing on voter turnout and engagement.
Reflecting on 2016, supporters recall how misinformation and conspiracy theories, like Pizzagate, affected Clinton’s campaign. Now, the approach is to block trolls and concentrate on mobilizing voters. Harris, potentially the first female and woman of color president, faces similar conspiracy theories from Trump, reminiscent of those he spread about Barack Obama’s birthplace.
Trump’s derogatory rhetoric has already begun, labeling Harris as “laughing Kamala,” a tactic similar to his “Crooked Hillary” attacks. Terry Szuplat, a former Obama speechwriter, predicts the 2024 race will be fraught with both explicit and implicit racist and misogynistic attacks. Nevertheless, Harris’s campaign remains focused on a positive message, emphasizing freedom and compassion over chaos and hate.
Szuplat praises Harris for highlighting women’s rights, especially considering Trump’s influence on the Supreme Court, which led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. He notes that many Americans are exhausted by divisiveness and are drawn to Harris’s optimistic outlook.
Mini Timmaraju, CEO of Reproductive Freedom for All, supports Harris’s bold stance on abortion rights, seeing it as a key issue that resonates with voters. She believes Harris’s willingness to address this topic directly inspires people, especially in the current political climate.
In addition to focusing on issues, lessons from Clinton’s loss stress the importance of engaging male voters. Carol Evans, a former Clinton supporter, emphasizes the need to involve men actively in the campaign. Her advice to Harris’s team is to focus less on likability and more on building strong support across demographics.
Olivia Lapeyrolerie, a former press secretary for Clinton’s campaign, recalls the impact of Trump’s “grab ’em by the p—-” comments. Her advice to Harris’s team is to prioritize mental health, especially for women of color working in high-pressure roles.
Targeting battleground states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania is crucial for Harris. Clinton’s campaign underestimated Trump’s ability to mobilize voters in these regions, a mistake Harris’s team aims to avoid. They are committed to not taking any support for granted, learning from the complacency that contributed to Clinton’s loss.
As the 2024 election approaches, Harris’s campaign draws on past experiences while charting a new course. They focus on unity, resilience, and countering divisive rhetoric with a hopeful vision for America’s future. By addressing key issues and engaging voters across demographics, Harris’s team hopes to secure a victory and make history.
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