Harris Reverses Excitement Gap

Kamala Harris didn’t get a bump out of her debate last week, where it was widely believed, even among Republicans, that she bested Donald Trump. But other indicators look good for the Democrat.

First, about that lack of impact from the debate. We expected as much. People are just so locked in that it’s hard for any one event to move the numbers. Even Joe Biden’s dismal debate performance back in June didn’t change his numbers very much.

But the debate had a good effect on other numbers important to Harris. It continued two months of steady good performances by her. She has been almost flawless in rolling out her campaign and reintroducing herself to what had been a skeptical public. The debate was just another step in that process.

And the results here in Wisconsin are clear. In the latest Marquette poll, out last week, Harris now has a four point lead over Trump, 52% to 48%. That’s up from just one point in July when she first secured the nomination. And the latest poll was taken before last week’s debate.

Maybe more important is the huge swing in enthusiasm. Back in June, Trump had 17 point lead over Biden in the enthusiasm of his voters. Now Harris enjoys a nine point lead over Trump.

Those numbers are consistent with every other indicator, including fundraising and volunteer recruitment. It’s possible that Trump topped out in June. His supporters aren’t any less excited about him, but there wasn’t any room to grow. Harris had a lot of ground to make up from Biden and she has done that and the trend continues.

I’m not counting on a Harris victory. Too much can happen in the next six weeks. But things look promising right now.

Published by dave cieslewicz

Madison/Upper Peninsula based writer. Mayor of Madison, WI from 2003 to 2011.

2 thoughts on “Harris Reverses Excitement Gap

  1. For Joy!

    “With the help of the media, we have reduced our election to a political Slurpee. It’s all sugar rush and no nutritional value. We now have pundits supporting the idea of no further debates and even arguing that Harris shouldn’t give any interviews because it’s too risky.

    Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) explained that Harris should avoid one-on-one media interviews because “sometimes, you drill down into a question until there’s a word that’s uttered that can be used in a negative way.” I suppose, as president, she will need to insist on meeting foreign leaders only in CNN town hall events.

    If you do not say anything, there are no facts to check. The election then becomes a vote over whether you are for or against “joy.”

    Be sure to click that link for more Joy! It’s from New York magazine!

    Full post by Jonathan Turley:

    https://jonathanturley.org/2024/09/16/with-fact-checks-like-these-how-does-truth-stand-a-chance/

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    1. Or…do “town halls” like Trump did yesterday in Michigan! I urge all readers to view what he said at his “town hall” and then form your own opinion. Mine: Ill take joy over complete derangement any day.

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