Atypical Campaign Strategies of Walz and Harris

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Walz has engaged in fundraising efforts in traditionally Democratic strongholds like California, which is unusual for candidates at this stage of the campaign. Political analysts note that candidates typically prioritize swing states during the final weeks, but the Harris-Walz campaign is utilizing California’s wealthy donor base to bolster their financial resources. This atypical strategy may be a response to the close polling, where Harris leads Trump by a slim margin of just two points, indicating a need for substantial financial support for advertising and outreach efforts.

Electoral College Controversy

During a recent fundraiser, Walz publicly stated his belief that the Electoral College should be abolished in favor of a national popular vote. While this sentiment resonates with a majority of American voters, it has created tension within the campaign, as it does not reflect the official stance of the Harris-Walz ticket. The comments drew immediate criticism from the Trump campaign, highlighting the precarious balance Walz must maintain between advocating for popular voter sentiments and adhering to campaign strategy.

Late Start and Nontraditional Tactics

The Harris-Walz campaign has been characterized by its late start, following Biden’s exit from the race in July. This has forced the campaign to adopt nontraditional tactics, such as extensive fundraising in California rather than focusing solely on battleground states. With the election landscape shifting rapidly and both candidates vying for the same pool of undecided voters, the need for innovative strategies has never been more critical.

The Role of Fundraising

Walz’s fundraising tour, including stops in major cities like San Diego and Los Angeles, underscores the importance of financial backing in a competitive race. Experts suggest that the reliance on fundraising in Democratic strongholds reflects the urgency of their campaign efforts, especially as both campaigns ramp up spending on advertisements and outreach to secure voter support in key battleground states.