They are having flashbacks.
Democrats are increasingly anxious about the upcoming 2024 presidential election, fearing it could mirror the outcomes of the 2016 race, as reported by CNN. Sources close to Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign revealed that many party members are feeling the pressure, with polls showing little movement just weeks ahead of the election. One insider noted, “People are nervous. They know the polls are tight,” adding that the anxiety echoes memories of 2016 and the potential for unforeseen outcomes.
During a CNN segment, reporter Priscilla Alvarez shared insights from Democratic insiders who are concerned about the stagnant race, despite the campaign’s attempts to engage with voters. Alvarez explained that the Harris campaign has been characterized as a “good vibes campaign,” but anxiety is starting to seep in due to the lack of significant polling changes. Despite intensive outreach and media appearances, voters do not appear to be shifting their support from former President Donald Trump to Harris.
In an effort to learn from Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign mistakes, the Harris team is targeting red, rural areas that Clinton lost, including Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Alvarez highlighted that the vice president has visited the area twice, as part of a broader strategy to regain ground. Democrats pride themselves on their ground game, but there is concern that enthusiasm needs to translate into actual votes, leading to a sense of urgency as Election Day approaches.
Democratic strategist Jamal Simmons, who previously worked as Harris’ communications director, echoed these concerns, noting the unpredictable nature of the current electorate. He remarked that the unique circumstances surrounding this election—such as the presence of an African American woman on the ticket and a former president running again—make it difficult to predict outcomes. Simmons concluded that anyone not feeling nervous about the situation is not paying close enough attention.
Political analyst Mark Halperin described the Harris campaign as an “experiment” facing significant challenges. He mentioned that both Trump supporters and Democrats are feeling optimistic about Trump’s chances in the final days leading up to the election. Halperin questioned whether an untested candidate could succeed in a compressed campaign timeframe, suggesting that Harris is currently facing issues in private polling. According to a recent Fox News poll, Harris leads Trump by two points nationally, reflecting a three-point improvement since August.
