Harris is toning down her campaign strategy to appeal to more men and Republicans.  At the same time, however, she is ratcheting up her attacks on Donald Trump, whose old skills in getting under his opponents’ skin have remained with him.  Recent polls have shown Harris running neck and neck with the former president in critical battleground states.

Harris, the Democratic nominee, now has a statistical tie with Trump in several key states.  These ties worry her campaign and Democratic enthusiasts.  She began well, with an enormously successful Democratic convention and debate performance against Trump, which Democrats widely praised.  Her edge has narrowed both nationally and in some of these pivotal states.

As a counteract, Harris has been swapping gears to adopt a far more aggressive tone in hopes of projecting strength and countering Trump’s “strongman” image.  Just recently, at a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, Harris framed Trump’s divisive rhetoric by playing clips of remarks referring to an “enemy within” America.  Harris’s campaign will focus on energising men and Republican voters who might be attracted to the longtime Republican voter.

 Harris has also been engaging with influential media responsibilities to expand her reach.  This week, she appeared on Charlamagne tha God for an interview to speak to Black males and then on Fox News to speak to some conservative voters.  Next on the list of influencers she may talk to could be popular podcaster Joe Rogan.

In a Reuters/Ipsos national poll, Harris’s lead over Trump narrowed from seven points in late September to just three.  More problematic for the Democrats is that in seven battleground states—where the race will likely be decided—Harris and Trump are neck and neck.  The internal Harris campaign polling shows similar trends: a tie in Pennsylvania, a slight edge in Wisconsin, and a narrow deficit in Michigan.

Economic anxiety continues to be a pressing matter for voters.  Harris has been lauded for policies analysts say will spur economic activity and pay down debt, but voters have come to believe Trump more on the economy.  The campaign is getting traction with high food and rent prices combined with the president’s rhetoric regarding immigration.

She remains optimistic, however.  “This is an election for president of the United States.  It’s not supposed to be easy,” she said on Wednesday when asked about the close race.

Harris has regained the suburban and middle-class voters swinging toward Trump four years ago but is significantly behind among men, notably across racial lines.  That has disappointed some Democrats in the campaign strategy, as illustrated by one Michigan insider who felt more was being done with local Democrats and grassroots efforts, whom The New York Times spoke to recently.

Another criticism of Harris’ campaign is its insistence on appeasing Republicans instead of taking a contrary stand on President Biden’s policies, especially regarding issues such as the Gaza conflict.  Many feel that this is an opportunity to be lost to unite a more extensive voter base for Harris’ campaign.

Harris’s team feels she is on track as this campaign enters its final weeks.  She will compete in all the battleground states while continuing to outspend Trump on digital and television ads.  She’ll make appearances in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.  Her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, will hit events in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Nebraska’s second congressional district, potentially an important battleground.

Democratic strategist Donna Brazile expresses both optimism and caution.  “The race looks like the very tight contests of 2016 and 2020,” she said.  Both campaigns are gearing up for a final push in a race that remains too close to call on the eve of Election Day.

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