Harris Claims 'Path to the White House' Runs Through Georgia
Kamala Harris has launched her presidential campaign with a high-energy rally in Georgia, a state increasingly seen as a key battleground in the upcoming election. The Vice President hosted an event in Atlanta, featuring performances by Megan Thee Stallion and Quavo, with Democratic Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock also present.
Just a month ago, the idea of Democrats taking Georgia seemed far-fetched. However, analysts now suggest Harris’s entry into the race and the accompanying enthusiasm could shift the dynamics. Harris stepped in as the Democratic nominee following President Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
“This is a major reset,” remarked Amy Morton, CEO of Southern Majority, a consulting firm in Georgia. “Harris’s candidacy has transformed the political landscape here.”
Addressing a lively crowd, Harris emphasized the shifting momentum, describing her campaign as powered by the people and likening it to an underdog story. She highlighted Biden’s 2020 victory in Georgia as a sign of the state’s potential for Democrats. “The road to the White House runs right through Georgia,” she declared.
Georgia, a state narrowly won by Biden in 2020, is a prime target for both parties. Republicans aim to reclaim it, with Donald Trump planning a rally at the same Atlanta venue later this week to bolster his support.
Democratic Congressman Hank Jackson of Georgia spoke to the BBC about the surge in enthusiasm following Harris’s nomination. He noted that Harris has energized voters across all demographics.
Georgia’s significance in the election is underscored by the heavy reliance on turnout among Black voters, a demographic critical for Democrats. Polls had indicated a waning support for Biden, but Harris’s frequent visits have kept Georgia in the campaign’s focus, according to University of Georgia Professor Charles Bullock.
Harris’s campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, listed Georgia alongside other key Sun Belt states where the campaign will concentrate its efforts. Prior to Biden’s exit, Morton was concerned about voter engagement, but Harris’s entry has revitalized the base, leading to increased volunteer signups and social media activity.
Polls show Harris with a slight lead over Trump nationally, and Morton believes this advantage will grow, particularly in Georgia. Nonetheless, Trump maintains strong support in the state, which Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene calls “Trump country.” Greene has criticized Harris as a “radical extremist.”
Harris has faced criticism over her handling of immigration issues as Vice President. The murder of Laken Riley, allegedly by an illegal immigrant, has intensified focus on this issue in Georgia. In response, Harris pledged to revive a border security bill and emphasized her prosecutorial background as a strength against Trump.
Professor Bullock noted that Trump must tread carefully in his attacks on Harris, as personal insults could alienate female voters. Harris’s campaign could also attract establishment Republicans who are disillusioned with Trump’s behavior and rhetoric.
As the election heats up, Georgia remains a pivotal state with both sides vying for its crucial electoral votes.
