With just weeks left before Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign faces a storm of setbacks, leaving her team grappling with sinking momentum. Facing low polling in swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, her struggles were spotlighted in a CNN town hall where even Democratic analysts criticized her answers as “word salad.” Recent polling also shows Donald Trump gaining traction, especially after his appearance on the popular Joe Rogan podcast, which garnered millions of views within hours.
Harris’s attempts to broaden her appeal, including rallying in Texas and making alliances across the aisle, have done little to revive enthusiasm among Democrats, as polling gaps persist across crucial battleground states. Democratic strategists warn that the mood is turning grim. Veteran strategist David Axelrod noted her evasive responses as emblematic of a campaign “losing grip,” while New York City Mayor Eric Adams criticized her rhetoric against Trump, urging her to tone down comparisons with historical fascists to avoid alienating potential voters.
Meanwhile, Democrats are concerned that Trump’s grasp on popular outlets and Harris’s struggles to resonate beyond the Democratic base could jeopardize swing states Biden secured in 2020. As young and undecided voters waver, Democratic leaders are calling for a recalibration of Harris’s message and platform, hoping to energize the campaign in a political landscape where “vibes” alone may not be enough.
