Vice President Kamala Harris is ramping up her campaign efforts to attract male voters in battleground states as Election Day draws near. The latest strategy involves launching new ads tailored to specific cities and airing during prominent sporting events in Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.
The ads aim to address the gender gap in support for Harris compared to former President Donald Trump, particularly among male voters. A recent national poll revealed that Trump holds a lead with 51% support among men, while Harris trails with 45%.
To engage male voters, Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are actively participating in campaign events, interviews, and digital media content. Walz is set to engage with voters by playing the Madden NFL video game on Twitch alongside New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, while Harris plans to visit a youth basketball facility in northwest Philadelphia.
The new ads strategically leverage regional pride by highlighting Trump's past criticisms of the targeted cities and incorporating references to local sports teams. By focusing on cultural elements and avoiding policy discussions, the ads aim to resonate with low-propensity male voters, including younger demographics.
In Milwaukee, the ad features Doc Rivers, head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, emphasizing Trump's criticism of the city during the Republican National Convention. The Philadelphia ad counters Trump's debate criticism with a call to stand up for the city's history and values. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh ad showcases a Steelers fan contrasting his working-class background with Trump's privileged upbringing.
Both campaigns are actively courting male voters, with Trump also making appearances at sporting events and popular podcasts. The Harris campaign is exploring various avenues to connect with male voters, including highlighting reproductive health care as a crucial issue that impacts women and their families.
Former first lady Michelle Obama recently urged male voters to consider the significance of reproductive health care, emphasizing the potential consequences of supporting Trump. As the election approaches, both campaigns are intensifying their efforts to secure support from male voters in key battleground states.
