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ProudMNDemocrat

(19,100 posts)
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 11:05 AM Oct 2

Poll: Should the Harris/Walz campaign make stops in Ohio, Florida, and Texas?

I am of the opinion that it would not hurt them, but help the US Senate and House races there.

Especially do a Town Hall in Springfield to show solidarity there for the citizenry who welcomed in Haitian immigrants.

What say you?



99 votes, 2 passes | Time left: Unlimited
Yes. The Harris/Walz campaign should make stops in Ohio, Florida, and Texas.
90 (91%)
No. They should not. Why waste resources?
9 (9%)
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Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll
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Poll: Should the Harris/Walz campaign make stops in Ohio, Florida, and Texas? (Original Post) ProudMNDemocrat Oct 2 OP
and Indiana too. Emile Oct 2 #1
IN is out of reach pstokely Oct 2 #37
No. They're not going to win those states. Self Esteem Oct 2 #2
They said the same to Obama and he won Indiana. Emile Oct 2 #5
Not remotely comparable. Self Esteem Oct 2 #9
Indiana in 2008 and Indiana in 2024 aren't even in the same stratosphere unfortunately. bearsfootball516 Oct 2 #11
It would also needlessly divert (much more limited) Republican resources to defend those states. Doodley Oct 2 #10
Not worth it. Self Esteem Oct 2 #18
They won't if they don't try, that's for sure. TX is all a matter of voter turnout. HelpImSurrounded Oct 2 #29
They won't even if they do try. Self Esteem Oct 2 #33
They may help down ticket candidates Kaleva Oct 2 #46
Sure. But that doesn't help much if Harris loses. Self Esteem Oct 2 #47
Take it to them everywhere. We keep hearing displacedvermoter Oct 2 #3
If a break is needed from swing States and the visits help down ticket close races (Senate and House), absolutely Freethinker65 Oct 2 #4
OH no, FL and TX maybe qazplm135 Oct 2 #6
Yes, Springfield, Ohio should be the first stop. lees1975 Oct 2 #7
Any national campaign should make a case in all 50 states. Qutzupalotl Oct 2 #8
Definitely Florida LostOne4Ever Oct 2 #12
Why not? sarisataka Oct 2 #13
Why not? Because there isn't an infinite amount of days. Self Esteem Oct 2 #22
Who said anything about the last week of the campaign sarisataka Oct 2 #24
It's not worth it. Self Esteem Oct 2 #25
I am so glad I have you to splain it to me sarisataka Oct 2 #28
I don't know what any of that has to do with my point. Self Esteem Oct 2 #31
You are saying it is close, while others say it is a done deal sarisataka Oct 2 #34
Sometimes you don't get to pick your battles. Self Esteem Oct 2 #43
Not at this point JI7 Oct 2 #14
Campaign stops no, ad buys yes DetroitLegalBeagle Oct 2 #15
Live in Florida and see Harris national spots on cable and network NCDem47 Oct 2 #27
what makes u think they wont? mopinko Oct 2 #16
They're not gonna hold a rally in any of these states. Self Esteem Oct 2 #23
and your source on this is- trust me bro? mopinko Oct 2 #42
What's your source? Self Esteem Oct 2 #44
You gonna be president of all 20 states? Campaign in all 50. intheflow Oct 2 #17
You can't win if you don't play. Kid Berwyn Oct 2 #19
There are many Americans and Democrats in Ohio, Florida and Texas as well as independents and new voters. PufPuf23 Oct 2 #20
I trust their judgement enough to not second-guess our candidates or their campaign staff. Oopsie Daisy Oct 2 #21
Florida Yes, Texas No, Ohio only if Sen Brown's campaign wants it bucolic_frolic Oct 2 #26
Yes, but only if they live in the same fantasy world as those who think those states are winnable Prairie Gates Oct 2 #30
My question is kacekwl Oct 2 #32
Texas and Florida senate seats are important too Johonny Oct 2 #35
I think a joint Harris/Allred appearance would really assist Torchlight Oct 2 #36
Make the bastards defend, gibraltar72 Oct 2 #38
Absolutely! DFW Oct 2 #39
It is October kansasobama Oct 2 #40
and stop in St Petersburg FL onethatcares Oct 2 #41
Yes, especially if it can help put some wind in the sails of Senate candidates. TheKentuckian Oct 2 #45

Self Esteem

(1,716 posts)
2. No. They're not going to win those states.
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 11:08 AM
Oct 2

It would needlessly divert energy, money and actual campaign hours away from the states they really need to win in November, specifically Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Self Esteem

(1,716 posts)
9. Not remotely comparable.
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 11:18 AM
Oct 2

Obama led in, or was tied with McCain in multiple Indiana polls in 2008.

There are zero polls that have Harris up in any of the three states listed.

Her campaigning there would be similar to Hillary spending time in Arizona during the final week of the 2016 campaign instead of Wisconsin. It was a pointless diversion that didn't win Her Arizona and certainly didn't help in states she missed out campaigning in because her time was spent in Arizona.

Self Esteem

(1,716 posts)
18. Not worth it.
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 12:09 PM
Oct 2

There's a very limited amount of time left in the campaign. It would be foolish to use one of those days (maybe three-plus if we're talking hitting up all these states) campaigning in a state she is not going to win.

The strategy you guys are pushing is the same strategy Hillary employed in 2016. It's the strategy that took her to Arizona in hopes of expanding the map instead of focusing on Wisconsin. And it hurt her.

The Harris campaign has enough states they're defending (Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin) that they will be setting up campaign stops in over the next month that diverting those resources makes zero sense.

Also, don't expect Republicans to bite just because you think they would. Trump's strategy is pretty clear: he's essentially focused on winning Pennsylvania and holding North Carolina. That's his strategy. Harris going to Ohio or Florida isn't going to suddenly make them concerned about either state because they know it's unlikely to change the outcome there.

It's like Trump campaigning in Virginia earlier this year. It didn't suddenly force Democrats to double investment in the state, or to send Harris there to counter it.

Harris gains very little from actively holding rallies in these states but she sure has a lot to lose.

Self Esteem

(1,716 posts)
33. They won't even if they do try.
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 12:49 PM
Oct 2

And this is the problem of your argument. What is trying? One stop in each state? Texas is huge. Does anyone really think one stop in Texas is going to suddenly take Harris from -5 in the polls, to a tie or the lead?

Or is trying meaning multiple stops in the state? It becomes a time and money hole.

I'll put it this way: there's a reason Harris has zero stops planned for her and Walz in these states. It's not that they don't want to try, it's that they know they can't afford to divert resources away from every other swing state that is a true toss-up at this point for states that their internal polls show they're losing.

If these were toss-ups, I'd agree. But they're not.

Self Esteem

(1,716 posts)
47. Sure. But that doesn't help much if Harris loses.
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 04:56 PM
Oct 2

Also, Sharrod Brown has no interest in tying himself to Harris in Ohio. He would not campaign with her even if she showed up.

Freethinker65

(11,150 posts)
4. If a break is needed from swing States and the visits help down ticket close races (Senate and House), absolutely
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 11:10 AM
Oct 2

qazplm135

(7,508 posts)
6. OH no, FL and TX maybe
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 11:14 AM
Oct 2

I'm not convinced a single visit changes anything, but those Senate races are close enough and we need an upset.

lees1975

(6,017 posts)
7. Yes, Springfield, Ohio should be the first stop.
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 11:14 AM
Oct 2

With the way they can fly around, a stop or two in Florida, Texas, Ohio, shouldn't be a problem.

Qutzupalotl

(15,157 posts)
8. Any national campaign should make a case in all 50 states.
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 11:15 AM
Oct 2

That doesn't necessarily mean a big rally or even the candidates themselves speaking live in person. But the message of the campaign should be publicized, as in ads on tv, radio, and social media.

The 7 swing states get all the attention, leaving the other 43 out of the conversation. We need to explicitly and humbly ask for everyone's vote, no matter where they live.

Jamie Harrison has built Dean's dream of a 50-state strategy. Resources are allocated for this but mostly focused on downballot races. With some tweaks this can be made into a case for Harris/Walz tailored to the interests of each state. Because of Trump's dementia, paranoia, and criminal intent, we have a shot in unlikely places, where moderate Rs are willing to cross the aisle this time.

LostOne4Ever

(9,597 posts)
12. Definitely Florida
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 11:31 AM
Oct 2

Florida is close and a must win for Trump! He will be forced to pour a massive amount of resources there and take away from his spending in Penn, Wisc, and Mich.

sarisataka

(21,066 posts)
13. Why not?
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 11:33 AM
Oct 2

Even if our chances are near zero to win those states, why give away 87 EVs without at least a token challenge? Make Republicans spend resources for their votes rather than just let them be freebies.

Every Presidential election we give Republicans about 160 free EVs as a head start. Let's start challenging for some of those votes.

Self Esteem

(1,716 posts)
22. Why not? Because there isn't an infinite amount of days.
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 12:14 PM
Oct 2

The closer you get to the election, the more you have to focus on the states you absolutely need to win that you're at risk of losing.

The campaign can't get distracted spending time in Texas or Ohio hoping that they surprise. Not when they are in statistical ties in five other states they need to win most of to get to 270.

Hillary did what you're saying and it hurt her. She was spending the last week of the 2016 campaign in Arizona and North Carolina when she should have been locked in the rustbelt shoring up support there.

sarisataka

(21,066 posts)
24. Who said anything about the last week of the campaign
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 12:19 PM
Oct 2

It should have been a month ago and now would be a good time for a second visit just to rattle the foundations.

Our current process of ignoring the states we "can't" win means a Democrat needs at least 270 EVs to win the election. A Republican only needs about 100 because we give them a head start by not competing.

Self Esteem

(1,716 posts)
25. It's not worth it.
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 12:29 PM
Oct 2

But let me spell it out for you: there's a little over a month left in the campaign. Harris is essentially tied in every state Biden flipped in 2020. She is not tied in Texas, Ohio or Florida. There are zero polls that show her even leading in any of these states.

That's important because the campaign does not have an infinite amount of resources and time to do everything you're suggesting they do.

It takes a lot to plan a rally - to pay for a rally and then utilize that rally. With the campaign essentially in a toss-up situation in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, many states Harris absolutely needs to win in order to become president, it's the height of stupidity to ask that she step away from those states, even if it's just for a few days, to spend time in states she doesn't need to win - and likely won't win.

I know that many here think they know better than the campaign staff who have multiple elections under their belt but they don't. I promise you, the Harris campaign has thought everything out and strategized everything as it relates to this campaign.

If they're not holding rallies in Texas, Ohio and Florida, it's because their internals tell them those states aren't winnable and it's not a smart play to divert resources from states they absolutely need to win to these states.

It's that simple.

sarisataka

(21,066 posts)
28. I am so glad I have you to splain it to me
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 12:39 PM
Oct 2

but aren't we wasting our electronic breath over this.

I am constantly seeing blue wave, land slide, leading in every swing state, polls undercounting Harris. She is at least +15, and has locked 350 EVs, with a shot at 400 or more. Do we really even have to bother voting with this election in the bag?
, lot's of

Self Esteem

(1,716 posts)
31. I don't know what any of that has to do with my point.
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 12:44 PM
Oct 2

Considering the whole premise of my post is that this election is extremely close, which is why she can't afford to divert attention away from the states she absolutely, positively needs to win in a month to focus on states that the last two Democratic nominees have lost.

But I'm glad you were able to get all that out of your system.

sarisataka

(21,066 posts)
34. You are saying it is close, while others say it is a done deal
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 12:51 PM
Oct 2

I agree it is close and not at all guaranteed win yet.

My point is when will we start chipping at the Republican base? There is always some reason now is not a good time so we just keep surrendering over a quarter of the EVs without a fight. That also cascades down ticket.

Self Esteem

(1,716 posts)
43. Sometimes you don't get to pick your battles.
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 03:23 PM
Oct 2

This election season was always going to be hard for Democrats. Truthfully, if Trump had not decided to run and threw his support behind, say, Haley, I think Democrats would be a sizable underdog right now.

We're not in a situation where we have luxury of building out the map because it's a tough, very narrow path to victory. Hopefully in four years we'll be better positioned for that. Unfortunately, though, Democrats got absolutely dinged on inflation and the cost of goods, which is likely making this a much closer race than it has any business being and forcing the Harris campaign to shore up and focus on their most vulnerable areas.

DetroitLegalBeagle

(2,187 posts)
15. Campaign stops no, ad buys yes
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 12:03 PM
Oct 2

Those states are very unlikely to vote for Harris. Ohio especially. PA, WI, and MI are must wins and the polls are close there, and I hear the internals are even closer. I've read on here that Slotkin was just campaigning for more money. I have been directly told by people here in Michigan that Slotkin was not lying, internals show a much different picture than what public polling is showing. So campaign hard in the must win swing states and spend some of that big warchest in the other states and force the gop to buy ads to counter them.

NCDem47

(2,588 posts)
27. Live in Florida and see Harris national spots on cable and network
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 12:37 PM
Oct 2

I'm sure it's the same in OH and TX. There's a halo effect of SOME media getting through to these states.

mopinko

(71,871 posts)
16. what makes u think they wont?
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 12:04 PM
Oct 2

i’d b willing to make a wager that at least 1 of them hits all those states.
jamie harrison believes in a 50 state strategy. there r worthy senate candidates in each of those states that wd benefit from a visit. they’ll get it.

Self Esteem

(1,716 posts)
23. They're not gonna hold a rally in any of these states.
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 12:16 PM
Oct 2

The fact they haven't at any point since the convention should tell you what they think of their chances in these states. They aren't going to eat up multiple days where they could be spent in states they actually have a chance to win campaigning in states they don't need and aren't going to win anyway.

mopinko

(71,871 posts)
42. and your source on this is- trust me bro?
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 02:50 PM
Oct 2

harrison has said repeatedly that this is an ‘anything cd happen’ election.
even if they didnt care about the electoral votes, u can b sure they care about the senate seats. all this is for naught if we dont hold the senate.

Self Esteem

(1,716 posts)
44. What's your source?
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 03:31 PM
Oct 2

Mine is the fact Harris has been in this race now about two half months and she's made zero stops in any of those three states. My source is sitting in every Monday with my state party on a conference call with the Harris campaign and other state parties going over the state of the race and where they're focusing most their attention. My source is that we've got just a bit over a month left in the campaign and they're still looking at coin flip results in most the states Biden flipped in 2020.

There is a reason Harris hasn't stepped foot in Florida or Ohio or Texas since becoming the presumptive and then official nominee and it's because they know all three states are significant long shots that they do not need to get to 270.

Where is Walz literally at the writing of this post? Pennsylvania.

That will be their focus: Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. They see that as their best path to victory. Then after that, it's Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina.

Those will be the states you see Harris and Walz in between now and election day, with Nevada joining them.

There isn't enough time to start seriously campaigning in Ohio or Texas or Florida. Not when there are zero polls, public or internal, that have her tied in those states, let alone up.

intheflow

(28,967 posts)
17. You gonna be president of all 20 states? Campaign in all 50.
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 12:08 PM
Oct 2

There is nothing worse than feeling like no one cares about your vote because of where you live. I know a lot of good liberal folks who don't vote here in Massachusetts because they know it's always going to go Blue. Like, I get it that resources are limited, and also - please don't take our votes for granted. I imagine this must be felt much more acutely by liberals in Red states. Only a few weeks left, there only needs to be a visit (or maybe two) to Blue islands in these states. When we don't go, we are already admitting loss before our assured voters in those states even get a chance to weigh in on election day, implicitly telling them we don't care about their hopeless support.

Kid Berwyn

(18,110 posts)
19. You can't win if you don't play.
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 12:11 PM
Oct 2

The Senate is key for Democratic action in the coming Harris Administration, so yes. Give those Senate candidates the support they need -- and deserve.

PufPuf23

(9,256 posts)
20. There are many Americans and Democrats in Ohio, Florida and Texas as well as independents and new voters.
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 12:12 PM
Oct 2

They deserve the attention of the national politicians.

Down slate candidates need the exposure and attention as well; they may not get the votes but deserve and need the inclusion.

Writing off states and regions is foolish and contributed to HRC losing the election.

This should not even be a question so obvious.

Prairie Gates

(3,253 posts)
30. Yes, but only if they live in the same fantasy world as those who think those states are winnable
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 12:41 PM
Oct 2

We're on the knife edge in Pennsylvania. Enough nonsense.

kacekwl

(7,549 posts)
32. My question is
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 12:45 PM
Oct 2

does anyone here make your political decision based on if a candidate visits your state ? Sure it might be nice to see your choice in person but I could not care less. Those who come to see either candidate are the ones who are voting for them anyway.

Torchlight

(4,251 posts)
36. I think a joint Harris/Allred appearance would really assist
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 12:59 PM
Oct 2

Allred's campaign. Cruz is already using the majority of his media time this month begging for money while Allred closes to a single percentage point difference in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to a statewide office in 30 years.

Gary Peters of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee said yesterday, “All cycle long the DSCC has been preparing to take advantage of Sens. Cruz and Scott’s damaged standings in their states — and now our efforts in Texas and Florida are accelerating,”

So yeah, I think the practical application of both cash and hand-pressing could really boost the state and downballot races.

DFW

(56,691 posts)
39. Absolutely!
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 01:31 PM
Oct 2

Brown in Ohio looks positive, Allred and Murcasell shouldn‘t be wtitten off, either—they are still in the game. Only if we write them off do we lose for sure.

kansasobama

(1,526 posts)
40. It is October
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 02:34 PM
Oct 2

They have to focus on the blue wall in a close election. NC maybe, but no to the rest. Michelle Obama should go to FL.

onethatcares

(16,572 posts)
41. and stop in St Petersburg FL
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 02:49 PM
Oct 2

instead of Tampa.

Maybe they could use Tropicana Field because they would need the seating.

Having your candidate show up and give their speech in person is like seeing a band you follow instead of listening to them on the radio.

 

TheKentuckian

(26,314 posts)
45. Yes, especially if it can help put some wind in the sails of Senate candidates.
Wed Oct 2, 2024, 04:50 PM
Oct 2

If these are going to flip now or later some effort has to be made rather than hoping and waiting while desperately trying to hold the Blue Wall forever.

We need to be all of the above for a while here, the rewards are pretty high.

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