On November 3, 2024, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat from Nevada, appeared on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” for an interview that shed light on the upcoming election and the state of affairs in Nevada. The conversation touched on various topics, including the current voter turnout, the state’s economic situation, and the importance of engaging with working-class voters.
Margaret Brennan opened the interview by acknowledging the significance of Nevada in the upcoming election, with its six electoral votes up for grabs. She highlighted the early voter turnout in the state, noting that Republicans currently had a lead statewide, causing some anxiety among Democrats. However, Senator Cortez Masto remained optimistic, expressing confidence in the Democratic ground game and the efforts to connect with voters on a personal level.
The Senator emphasized the importance of engaging with voters in swing states like Nevada, where individual conversations can make a significant impact. She shared her experiences from her recent reelection, where she faced a Republican advantage but ultimately emerged victorious due to strong organization and outreach efforts. Senator Cortez Masto also pointed out the large population of non-partisan voters in Nevada, who tend to lean Democratic, further bolstering her confidence in securing a win for the Democratic candidates.
As the discussion shifted towards the economy and the working-class population in Nevada, Senator Cortez Masto addressed the Trump campaign’s efforts to make inroads with this demographic. She highlighted the state’s high unemployment rate and the majority of voters without a college degree, acknowledging the challenges faced by these individuals. However, she also pointed out the organized labor support for Democrats in Nevada, particularly from groups like the culinary union, which represents a significant portion of the service industry.
Senator Cortez Masto drew a contrast between the Democratic and Republican candidates, emphasizing Kamala Harris’s commitment to representing all voters and addressing key issues such as affordable housing and healthcare costs. She highlighted the stark differences in approach between Harris, who aims to uplift everyone, and Trump, who is perceived to enter the office with an “enemies list.” The Senator underscored the importance of conveying these distinctions to voters and reaffirmed her belief in the Democratic candidates’ ability to secure a victory in Nevada.
In response to questions about the Democratic Party’s approach to working-class voters, Senator Cortez Masto defended the party’s messaging, citing President Biden’s clarification of his statements and Kamala Harris’s inclusive stance towards all voters. She emphasized the importance of listening to voters on the ground and addressing their concerns, rather than getting caught up in national narratives and political spin. The Senator reiterated that the focus should be on the issues that matter to voters in Nevada, such as healthcare, affordable housing, and protecting the Affordable Care Act.
The conversation also touched on the upcoming vote on abortion in Nevada, despite it already being legal in the state. Senator Cortez Masto acknowledged the significance of the ballot measure and its potential impact on the state’s constitution. She expressed her commitment to following the developments closely and highlighted the importance of staying engaged with key issues that affect voters in Nevada.
Overall, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s interview on “Face the Nation” provided insight into the Democratic Party’s strategy in Nevada, the challenges and opportunities in engaging with working-class voters, and the importance of addressing key issues that resonate with the state’s electorate. As the election approached, the Senator remained confident in the Democratic candidates’ ability to secure a victory in Nevada through strong organization, outreach efforts, and a focus on delivering solutions to voters’ concerns.
