Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris is receiving praise from pollster Frank Luntz for embracing some Republican strategies in her campaign against President Donald Trump. Luntz commended Harris for her use of language, focus on small business issues, and description of herself as a capitalist, noting that she sounds like a moderate Republican in some respects. He emphasized the importance of challenging her on specific issues rather than resorting to character attacks. A recent poll from The New York Times and Siena College showed Harris leading Trump nationally for the first time, with a slight edge of 49% to 46%. The poll also indicated that Harris is gaining support among older voters and Republicans, with more respondents viewing her as the candidate representing change.
Luntz observed shifts to Harris among undecided voters in focus groups that he tracks, noting that they moved away from Joe Biden before the president dropped out of the race. Following her debate with Trump on September 10, Luntz noted that voters are now looking for honesty and truthfulness from the candidates. Harris’s appearance on CBS News’ “60 Minutes” was also seen as a positive move by Luntz, who praised her for taking tough interviews and being willing to face challenges. He contrasted her willingness to engage with the media with Trump’s avoidance of debates and major interviews, claiming that Trump is the one ducking debates. Harris faced criticism for her lack of unscripted public appearances and avoiding major media interviews, but Luntz believes her interview on “60 Minutes” could help change perceptions.
During her “60 Minutes” appearance, Harris failed to provide specifics on how she would fund her economic plans, particularly her claim that she would ensure the richest Americans “pay their fair share in taxes.” Luntz pointed out this as a shortcoming in her interview, suggesting that offering more details on policy proposals would strengthen her campaign. Despite this, Luntz commended Harris for being challenged in interviews and debates, contrasting this with Trump’s approach. The shift in support towards Harris among undecided voters and the increasing perception of her as a candidate for change may indicate a growing momentum in her campaign. The challenge for Trump lies in effectively countering her positions on key issues and presenting a compelling alternative to voters. As the election approaches, both candidates face the task of addressing voter concerns and making a persuasive case for their presidency.
