Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign is embracing an “underdog” image as it gears up for the upcoming election, even though recent polls show her leading against former President Donald Trump as they aim to keep expectations in check and rally more supports for the Democratic Party candidate.
In a memo from her campaign manager, Jen O’Malley Dillon said, the team is positioning Harris as the underdog to prevent overconfidence.
Despite holding an edge in polls on key issues like healthcare, democracy, and abortion rights, the campaign is stressing the need for caution, particularly in light of Trump’s solid backing from his base. Dillon emphasized, “Let there be no illusion: we enter the final phase of this contest as the definitive underdogs,” pointing out the slim margins expected in critical battleground states.
The campaign boasts substantial resources, including 2,000 staff members, 312 offices, and $370 million allocated for advertising. Harris has also been successful in fundraising, amassing $540 million since her campaign launch on July 21.
Polling indicates that Harris leads Trump nationally by 47% to 43%, with strong support among women and younger voters. However, her campaign remains wary, as key states like North Carolina and Georgia show close races pushing Harris’s team to concentrate on using their grassroots network to secure victories in these essential regions.
This underdog narrative is seen as a tactic to motivate supporters and maintain the campaign’s momentum. By adopting this stance, Harris’s team aims to energize volunteers and donors, highlighting the crucial role of every vote in what could be a tight election.
Despite the favorable polling, the campaign faces challenges, including the need to clearly define Harris’s candidacy for voters who may not know her well. The campaign has also faced criticism for lacking specific policy details, which could complicate efforts to counter Republican critiques.
