The Kamala Harris campaign is in full swing across battleground states, with over 2,800 organizing events scheduled leading up to the Democratic convention in Chicago. These events range from traditional canvassing efforts to niche gatherings tailored to specific groups of supporters, such as the “Hound Lovers for Harris” meetup at a dog park in Van Buren Charter Township, Michigan, and the “Kallin’ for Kamala” phone banks in Fulton County, Georgia. Additionally, there will be an organizing booth at Wisconsin’s Africa Fest in Madison, Wisconsin, showcasing the campaign’s commitment to engaging with diverse communities.
The campaign is relying on its “relational organizing model” to maintain enthusiasm within the party. This approach emphasizes building relationships and connections with voters on a personal level, rather than relying solely on traditional campaign tactics. The weekend of action leading up to the convention will also feature a bus tour with Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, in Western Pennsylvania, highlighting the campaign’s efforts to reach voters in key swing states.
In addition to the grassroots organizing efforts, there will be a series of surrogate events featuring prominent figures such as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, musician Ben Folds, and actor Emmy Rossum. These events aim to generate excitement and mobilize supporters ahead of the convention.
The Democratic convention in Chicago will bring together thousands of delegates, activists, and operatives from across the country. Harris is scheduled to close out the convention on Thursday night, with Walz speaking on Wednesday. Other notable speakers include former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. The convention will be a crucial opportunity for the campaign to showcase its vision and rally support for the ticket.
Despite entering the race relatively late, Harris has already seen a surge in energy, fundraising, and polling numbers. An August CBS News poll showed Harris polling 6 points better against former President Donald Trump than President Biden. Her recent campaign rallies have drawn large crowds, surpassing the turnout at Biden’s events before he withdrew from the race. In the closing weeks of July, Harris raised $311 million, with an additional $48 million raised after announcing Walz as her running mate. This influx of cash has allowed the campaign to invest heavily in advertising for the remainder of August.
The campaign’s focus is now on converting the high attendance at rallies into a network of dedicated volunteers in key battleground states. At a recent rally in Las Vegas, over 5,000 people signed up to volunteer for the campaign, demonstrating the enthusiasm and momentum behind Harris’s candidacy. The campaign is determined to showcase Harris’s record as a prosecutor and advocate for working families, contrasting it with the perceived dangers of another Trump presidency.
As the Democratic convention approaches, the Harris campaign is working tirelessly to engage with voters, build momentum, and mobilize support across the country. With a strong lineup of events and a robust organizing strategy, the campaign is poised to make a significant impact leading up to the November election.
