As the primary season reaches its critical final weeks, Vice President Kamala Harris is ramping up her outreach to voters who have preferred Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor and U.N. ambassador. With polls indicating the race will be close, Harris’s campaign is strategically pivoting to capture Haley’s base mix of moderate Republicans and independents.
It is through appealing to these voters that much of the consolidation and extension of her coalition is possible, according to Harris’s team. Officials of the campaign have identified key themes that marry with what Haley’s supporters are looking for, including economic stability, women’s rights, and national security. At recent rallies, Harris has focused her administration’s success on jobs as well as bipartisan efforts on issues for women.
“Voters are looking for a leader who will unify and can bring real solutions to the table,” Harris said during a recent event in Charlotte, North Carolina. “I welcome those who’ve supported Nikki to consider a vision that prioritizes progress over partisanship.”
It is a strategy also about reaching out to Haley’s voters and speaking directly to concerns they may have about Harris’s leadership. On the campaign trail, Harris has mainly relied on her record as a consensus builder in efforts to demonstrate that she could appeal to both sides of the political spectrum.
Meanwhile, Haley remains a strong competitor, rallying her enthusiasts with a message of strength and stability. Haley’s response to the overtures by Harris has framed them as desperate attempts to undermine Haley’s appeal. “Nikki’s voters are looking for authenticity and experience,” said a Haley spokesperson. “They won’t be swayed by last-minute tactics.”
With only weeks away from the primary, analysts generally agree that whatever candidate carries the day will mostly depend on voter turnout and who can manage to swing the undecided voters instead of these crucial states. It is going to be one of the most monitored contests in the election cycle.
This fight over Haley’s base may very well determine Harris’s direction as the campaign intensifies. Therefore, the coming weeks stand out as a critical period for both candidates.
