Vice President Harris's post-debate tour of swing states kicked off in North Carolina today. Following her second stop in a state Democrats are eyeing as potentially winnable, recent polling data from Quinnipiac University shows Harris leading Trump by three points, with both candidates polling close to each other within the margin of error.
North Carolina, a state that last voted Democrat in a presidential election in 2008 for Barack Obama, is now seen as a battleground once again. Governor Roy Cooper expressed optimism about Harris's chances to flip the state blue, drawing parallels to the energy and enthusiasm seen during Obama's historic win.
Cooper highlighted the importance of Harris's campaign strategy in North Carolina, emphasizing the need for a strong ground game and volunteer mobilization. He noted the significance of Harris's frequent visits to the state, with her 18th trip as vice president underscoring her commitment to winning over North Carolinians.
Regarding the gubernatorial race, where Democratic nominee Josh Stein leads Republican nominee Mark Robinson by 10 points, Cooper suggested that Robinson's controversial statements could impact the presidential race. He believed Robinson's extreme views and alignment with Trump might turn off voters across party lines, potentially influencing the outcome of both races.
Cooper emphasized key issues in North Carolina, such as women's reproductive rights, healthcare, and economic support for families, as central to Harris's message. He highlighted the recent expansion of Medicaid in the state and the potential threat to healthcare coverage under a Trump administration, framing these issues as critical in the upcoming election.
As the race in North Carolina heats up, Cooper expressed confidence in Harris's ability to energize voters and drive turnout, ultimately positioning her as a strong contender for the state's electoral votes. With a focus on engaging disaffected voters and emphasizing key policy areas, Harris's campaign in North Carolina aims to build momentum heading into Election Day.
