Hillary Clinton Not Playing Significant Role in Harris Campaign Appeareances
As the election approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris has made the tactical choice not to prominently feature Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of State and well-known Democrat figure in American politics, on the campaign trail.
The decision not to incorporate Mrs. Clinton to a substantial degree indicates what some say is a strategic focus on specific voter engagement rather than emphasizing the historic potential of Harris' candidacy as a part of her approach, as NBC News reports..
With the election just weeks away, Harris has not enlisted Clinton's support in public campaign events. This strategic move contrasts with Clinton's own 2016 campaign, which highlighted her potential to make history as the first female president.
Harris Focuses On Targeted Voter Groups
Harris’ campaign strategy is centered on appealing to certain voter demographics, including men, instead of placing emphasis on her groundbreaking potential as a female vice president. This move reflects a departure from Clinton's approach and underscores a distinct brand of outreach to voters.
A source from within the campaign suggested that Clinton's involvement might not be advantageous at this juncture. Despite this, Clinton is expected to appear at one or more Harris campaign events during the final week leading up to the election, although specifics have not been made public yet.
Showing support for Harris since endorsing her candidacy in July, Clinton has participated in multiple fundraising activities. Most notably, she delivered a significant speech at the Democratic National Convention in August.
Clinton Supports Harris Through Various Media Outlets
Clinton has also extended her support to Harris beyond traditional campaign methods, using media platforms and social media expressions of endorsement. She has publicly expressed her belief in Harris as the optimal candidate for present challenges.
Alongside media efforts, Clinton is currently promoting her memoir through a book tour. This tour has taken her through crucial contested states like Pennsylvania and North Carolina, with further engagements scheduled in Michigan and Georgia.
The book tour enables Clinton to address significant political topics, including her concerns about Donald Trump's potential return to power, particularly regarding abortion rights.
Balancing Context of 2016 Loss
Amid these developments, Harris' aides are mindful of the context surrounding Clinton’s loss in the 2016 election. They tread cautiously to prevent bringing up the past defeat as Harris aims to present herself as a contender representative of a new era in politics.
Clinton’s 2016 campaign, which largely leveraged her identity as a purportedly groundbreaking female candidate, is seen by Harris' team as a less than effective message at this point.
Campaign aides are focusing on their candidate's unique offering, striving to resonate with voters by prioritizing their rights over the candidate's identity. A Harris adviser suggested that the narrative of freedom for voters is more compelling than promoting candidate-centric messages.
Bill Clinton Also Active in Support
Former President Bill Clinton is also lending his support to Harris' campaigning efforts. Both Clintons' engagements provide the campaign with notable figures, although the strategy involves careful utilization to ensure the effectiveness of their electoral influence.
According to those close to the campaign, while the Clintons are considered valuable assets, the campaign remains cautious about directly aligning with past strategies.
The campaign's overall aim remains focused on addressing voter concerns about future leadership and the tangible benefits that Harris would bring as a president.
The Bottom Line
Vice President Kamala Harris has made strategic choices in her campaign approach, deciding not to lean heavily on Hillary Clinton's presence on the trail, despite the former Secretary of State's history as a leading political figure.
The Harris campaign instead concentrates on targeted voter outreach, differing from Clinton's 2016 emphasis on historic candidacy potential.
Clinton continues to support Harris through media and fundraising, while aides are cautious of the narrative surrounding Clinton's past loss.
Bill and Hillary Clinton will continue playing a low-key, yet supportive role while the campaign adapts its strategies to align with current voter sentiments and expectations for future leadership.