Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has been riding a wave of momentum since replacing President Biden on the ticket nearly six weeks ago. However, she is urging caution in her race against former President Trump, emphasizing that the battle will be tight until the very end.
Speaking to a packed arena in Savannah, Georgia, one of seven crucial battleground states, Harris acknowledged recent polls showing a close contest. She urged supporters not to be swayed by the polls, stating that they are running as the underdog and have hard work ahead. “We have some hard work ahead of us. But we like hard work. Hard work is good work,” she said to cheers, adding, “And with your help, we are going to win this November.”
Harris’s campaign visit to Georgia comes at a time when the state has emerged as a key battleground. While Biden narrowly won Georgia in 2020, the state had long been considered reliably red in presidential elections. The Democrats’ success in flipping both Georgia Senate seats in 2020 has made the state a focal point for both parties in the 2024 race.
The vice president’s rally in Savannah comes after a two-day swing through the southeastern part of the state. It also follows her first network interview since becoming the Democrats’ standard-bearer, where she defended policy reversals and outlined her vision for the future.
Harris’s visit to Georgia underscores the Democrats’ strategy to focus on battleground states and mobilize their base. The state’s governor, Brian Kemp, has acknowledged its competitive nature, stating that the “road to the White House is going to run through Georgia.” He emphasized that Georgia is a crucial state for both Trump and the Republicans to win in order to secure the presidency.
During her rally, Harris reiterated her campaign themes, emphasizing the importance of preserving democracy, expanding access to healthcare and childcare, and protecting abortion access. She was interrupted twice by demonstrators protesting the Biden-Harris administration’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite the interruptions, Harris remained resolute in her message, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to working towards a ceasefire and hostage deal in the region.
The 2024 presidential election continues to shape up as a close contest, with both parties actively vying for support in key battleground states. Harris’s campaign swing through Georgia, coupled with her recent interview, signals the Democrats’ focus on mobilizing voters and securing key victories in crucial swing states.
