Kamala Keeps Calling Herself The Underdog

As Vice President Kamala Harris heads into Tuesday’s debate, she’s fully embracing the role of underdog, especially after recent polls indicate a tight race with former President Donald Trump. This approach aligns with her campaign’s strategy to manage expectations while rallying her supporters for the remaining weeks until November.

Despite the excitement among Democrats following Harris’s ascension to the top of the ticket, recent polls have shown her in a dead heat with Trump. According to a New York Times poll published Sunday, Trump holds a narrow lead over Harris nationally, with 48% to her 47%. The poll’s margin of error means this race is essentially a toss-up. Furthermore, the same survey shows Harris and Trump neck-and-neck in five out of seven crucial battleground states, with Harris slightly ahead in Wisconsin and Michigan.

This poll serves as a reality check for Democrats who have been buoyed by Harris’s high-profile rallies and impressive fundraising numbers since she replaced President Biden. Her campaign has been enthusiastic, but it’s clear that there is still significant work to be done.

Ivan Zapien, a former Democratic National Committee official, emphasizes that adopting an underdog mentality can be beneficial. He argues that acknowledging the challenge helps focus efforts and encourages all supporters to contribute, however they can. As the campaign enters its final stretch, mobilizing support is critical, and Harris’s team is emphasizing that they’re still in a competitive race.

On the other hand, Trump’s campaign has not missed an opportunity to highlight the challenges Harris faces. Trump’s extensive debate experience, including his performances in the 2016, 2020, and a recent June debate, places him at an advantage. Trump’s campaign argues that Harris will have to defend her record against a seasoned debater and that she’s had limited exposure to tough questions since securing the nomination.

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) points out that Harris’s campaign has been shielded from scrutiny for much of her candidacy, which means the upcoming debate is a significant moment for her to demonstrate her readiness to lead. Gaetz anticipates that Trump will capitalize on this, potentially linking Harris to her record and challenging her to prove her qualifications to the American people.

Harris’s campaign is seeking debate rules that would allow for more spontaneous exchanges, which they believe could benefit her by allowing for quick rebuttals and direct challenges to Trump’s claims. However, the debate’s structure, including muted microphones, could present hurdles.

As early voting begins in several states, the debate represents a crucial opportunity for Harris to sway undecided voters and make a substantial impact on the race. With only one debate currently scheduled and no additional opportunities for direct confrontation before the election, this is a pivotal moment for her campaign.

Recent polling averages show Harris with a slight lead over Trump, but with the race so tight, every debate and campaign effort will be critical. As David Axelrod, former senior adviser to President Obama, notes, the final stages of the race will be intensely contested, and the margin of error in polls reflects the tightness of the contest. Both sides will need to navigate these last few weeks with precision and strategy to secure victory.