U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff gesture at Kamala’s Presidential Campaign headquarters in Wilmington, DE, U.S., July 22, 2024. Erin Schaff/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
Kamala Harris Prepares for Intensive Campaign with Experienced Team
Overview of Harris’ Campaign Preparation
Vice President Kamala Harris is preparing for a rigorous campaign ahead of the November 5 election. She has assembled a team of seasoned political operators, many of whom are Black women with extensive experience in Democratic politics. This core group is expected to support Harris through what promises to be an intense three months of campaigning.
Key Advisers and Supporters
Harris’ inner circle includes prominent figures such as U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler of California, who recently expressed confidence in Harris’ ability to withstand attacks, both sexist and racist. Harris’ advisors and allies, including Minyon Moore, chair of the Democratic National Convention Committee, and Leah Daughtry, co-chair of the convention rules, have been integral to her political journey since her Senate tenure began in 2017.
Early Advocacy and Loyalty
Members of Harris’ inner circle had advocated for Joe Biden to select a Black woman, specifically Harris, as his running mate in 2020. Their efforts highlight their commitment to her career. Other notable figures within her advisory group are Democratic National Committee member Donna Brazile and former chief of staff Tina Flournoy, all of whom have extensive experience dating back to the Clinton administration.
Campaign Dynamics and Challenges
Despite a strong campaign launch, Harris remains politically untested on the national stage. Opinion polls show her trailing her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, in several battleground states. Harris’ sister, Maya Harris, who played a significant role in her 2020 campaign, has been less visible this time, indicating a shift in campaign strategy.
Response to Attacks and Campaign Strategy
Harris is expected to face numerous attacks, with former President Trump and other Republicans having previously targeted her with derogatory remarks. Democratic strategist Anthony Coley emphasized the importance of Harris’ experienced inner circle in countering these attacks. Lorraine Voles, Harris’ White House chief of staff, is credited with stabilizing her team after internal upheavals in 2022.
Key Campaign Figures
Several women hold pivotal roles in Harris’ campaign, including Erin Wilson, deputy chief of staff; Sheila Nix, campaign chief of staff; Kirsten Allen, White House communications director; and Rohini Kosoglu, a long-time adviser. These individuals bring a wealth of experience from previous Democratic administrations and campaigns.
Political and Strategic Insights
Democratic strategist Joel Payne highlighted the significance of Harris’ team’s ability to build coalitions reminiscent of those formed during the Obama and Biden-Harris campaigns. The insights and experience from advisers like Moore, Daughtry, Brazile, and Flournoy are seen as advantageous in navigating the current political landscape.
Union and Labor Support
Senator Butler, a long-time ally of Harris and a senior adviser to her 2020 campaign, offers crucial connections to the labor community. The recent endorsement of Harris by the United Auto Workers union is seen as a potential advantage in the pivotal state of Michigan.
Strategic Positioning
Matt Bennett of Third Way suggested that Harris’ team is well-equipped to position her as a moderate while appealing to left-leaning voters. This balanced approach is aimed at broadening her support base.
Family Involvement
While family members are playing a less prominent role in Harris’ current campaign, they remain supportive. Tony West, Harris’ brother-in-law and Uber’s chief legal officer, has been present during significant campaign moments. Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, continues to be a strong supporter, actively participating in campaign events and embodying the role of a dedicated partner.
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