Harris Adviser John Anzalone on Who's Left of the Persuadables
Somebody's Gotta Win with Tara Palmeri
Deep Dive
Why is the 2024 election expected to be a margin of error race?
The election is expected to be close, with polls showing a very tight race in key battleground states, similar to the 2016 and 2020 elections.
Why is Kamala Harris focusing on seniors in her campaign?
Seniors are a significant voting bloc, and Harris is highlighting accomplishments like $35 insulin and Medicare negotiations to appeal to them.
Why does John Anzalone believe Trump's ground operation is weaker than Harris's?
Trump is leasing his ground operation to external entities like Elon Musk, which has led to inefficiencies and potential voter registration issues, while Harris has a more robust and organized state-by-state operation.
Why is the Harris campaign adopting a darker tone in its messaging?
The campaign is trying to remind voters of Trump's past behavior and the anxiety he caused, which is seen as a way to engage undecided voters and reinforce the stakes of the election.
Why are public polls often criticized by John Anzalone?
Many public polls use opt-in panels with poor methodology, leading to unreliable results. Anzalone emphasizes trusting internal campaign polls for more accurate insights.
Why is Michigan considered a challenging state for Kamala Harris?
Michigan has a large white working-class population and a significant Arab American community, both of which may not strongly support Harris. The campaign is working to expand the voter base and address these challenges.
Why is early voting analysis not reliable according to John Anzalone?
Early voting data is often compared to the 2020 COVID-affected election, making it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions. Anzalone advises against using early voting as a predictive tool.
Why is Georgia seen as a better opportunity for Harris compared to 2020?
Georgia has a growing African-American, Hispanic, and Asian population, as well as a high number of college-educated voters, making it a more favorable demographic for Harris.
Why does John Anzalone think Kamala Harris's interviews are important?
Interviews, including those on Fox TV, help voters learn more about Harris and her qualifications, such as her prosecutorial skills and policy positions.
Why is there skepticism about Trump's ability to win all seven battleground states?
The race is too close to make such definitive predictions. Each state is a toss-up, and overconfidence can backfire, as seen in previous elections.
- John Anzalone is a Democratic strategist advising the Kamala Harris campaign.
- The 2024 election is expected to be close, similar to the previous two presidential elections.
- Tara Palmeri encourages listeners to subscribe to her newsletter at Puck.news for more political insights.
Shownotes Transcript