Harris and Walz Hit the Campaign Trail in Georgia: A High-Stakes Bus Tour

Campaigning in Uncharted Territory

Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, have embarked on a pivotal two-day bus tour across Georgia, marking their first joint appearance since the Democratic National Convention. This tour is not just another campaign stop; it’s a calculated move to target areas of Georgia that Democratic politicians often overlook. The tour kicks off on Wednesday, with the pair focusing on both urban and rural communities, including those with significant Black and working-class populations.

“This area is a priority for the campaign,” said Porsha White, Georgia state director for the Harris campaign. “We have nearly 50 full-time staff across seven offices in South Georgia.” The tour starts and ends in Savannah, a city that hasn’t seen a general election presidential candidate campaign since the 1990s.

A Strategic Focus on Georgia

Georgia, a state President Biden narrowly won in 2020, is again in the spotlight. The Harris campaign is making a concerted effort to reach voters in traditionally Republican strongholds. This strategy isn’t just about winning; it’s about narrowing the margins in competitive swing states. Emory University political scientist Andra Gillespie explains, “The whole point is to overperform, not just among your base, but in places where you have historically been weak.”

The campaign’s efforts are evident in their investment in Georgia, with 24 offices established in more conservative areas. Since Harris entered the race, the campaign has brought 35,000 new volunteers into the state. There is fierce competition, with both campaigns pouring significant time and money into Georgia. The Trump campaign has already spent nearly $33 million on ads. Harris’s campaign has spent $23 million on more positive messaging.

Georgia: A Must-Win State

For Trump, winning Georgia is non-negotiable. For Harris, securing the state could pave additional paths to the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency. The race in Georgia remains close, with polling averages showing a tighter contest than when Biden was the presumptive nominee. Harris’s second visit to the state in less than a month underscores its importance to her campaign.

Republicans aren’t sitting idly by. Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is mobilizing volunteers across the state, with the Trump campaign vowing not to leave “a stone unturned” this fall. The stakes are high, and both sides are preparing for a fierce battle.

A Critical Interview on the Horizon

As Harris and Walz meet voters, they’re also preparing for their first television interview together, set to air Thursday night on CNN with Dana Bash. This interview marks Harris’s first major network interview since becoming the Democratic nominee for president. It’s an opportunity for the campaign to control the narrative, though it comes with risks. Harris will likely face tough questions about her evolving positions since the 2020 Democratic primary.

The Trump campaign has been eagerly awaiting this moment, hoping to find a chink in Harris’s armor. Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, has already criticized Harris for appearing with Walz rather than sitting for a solo interview. However, how much these criticisms will resonate with voters remains to be seen.

Conclusion

The Harris-Walz bus tour in Georgia is more than just a campaign event; it’s a strategic push to secure a critical battleground state. As the campaign intensifies, both sides are investing heavily in Georgia, recognizing its potential to shape the outcome of the 2024 election. With a high-stakes interview on the horizon and both campaigns ramping up their efforts, all eyes are on Georgia as the battle for the White House continues.