Kamala Harris’ campaign has launched a targeted advertising initiative aimed at Republican voters in Arizona, showcasing a prominent endorsement from Mesa’s Republican mayor, John Giles. The ad stresses that while Giles is a lifelong Republican, his priorities align with putting the country above party loyalty. In his message, Giles expresses skepticism about Donald Trump’s proposed second term, branding it as self-serving and indicating his preference for Harris, stating, “Kamala Harris and I may not agree on everything, but I do know that she will always put country first.” This commercial is part of a broader strategy to appeal to undecided and discontented Republican voters, which is particularly critical in a battleground state like Arizona.
The Harris campaign’s advertising efforts are substantial, with a reported $370 million buy extending from Labor Day to Election Day. Starting Monday, the ads will run across various local Arizona broadcasts and cable networks, including Fox News Channel. The campaign’s outreach is informed by recent polling data, which indicates a competitive race in Arizona, with Harris leading Trump by two percentage points (47% to 45%). Notably, while Harris enjoys a robust endorsement from 96% of registered Democrats, Trump’s support among Republicans stands at 88%, underscoring a potential vulnerability that Harris is keen to exploit by courting Republican voters.
In addition to Arizona, the Harris campaign has extended similar outreach efforts in Pennsylvania, targeting members of the GOP who are hesitant to support Trump. Ads in this initiative feature lifelong Republicans, Bob and Kristina Lange, who candidly express their disillusionment with Trump’s actions leading up to and including January 6. Further demonstrating their strategy, in August, the campaign created a “Republicans for Harris-Walz Advisory Committee” aimed at engaging Republican voters across critical battleground states, including Arizona.
During a recent campaign appearance in Arizona, both Harris and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz, publicly aligned themselves with GOP figures such as John McCain’s family and other prominent Republicans who have endorsed Harris. Harris praised McCain’s commitment to principle and patriotism, using his legacy to rally support among veterans of the Republican establishment. This ties into a narrative the campaign is building, reinforcing the idea that values such as integrity and country over party are shared across political lines, an approach aimed at attracting independents as well.
Harris has emphasized her commitment to bipartisanship, indicating an openness to including Republicans in her potential Cabinet. Recently, she announced a plan to create a “President’s Council on Bipartisan Solutions,” comprised of Republican and Democratic officials, as well as business leaders, to foster cooperative policy-making. During her campaign, Harris articulated the necessity of a healthy two-party system, highlighting its essential role in the democratic process. This bipartisan outreach reflects a deeper strategy for the 2024 election, aiming to bridge divides and promote unity.
Ultimately, the Harris campaign’s focus on courting Republican voters signifies a strategic pivot to engage with a demographic that may feel alienated by Trump’s leadership. By leveraging influential endorsements, creating targeted advertisements, and promoting a bipartisan dialogue, Harris aims to expand her base, capitalizing on the discontent among some Republicans and independents in crucial swing states. The success of this approach may play a pivotal role in the outcome of the upcoming election, as the campaign seeks to redefine voter loyalties and priorities in a fragmented political landscape.