Staff Reports
Joe Biden’s abrupt departure from the presidential race might have been a blessing for Donald Trump, especially with a surge in support across states traditionally colored blue on the electoral map. States like Maine, Virginia, New Hampshire, and even Minnesota came into view as potential toss-ups. However, it appears the windows of opportunity originally opened by Biden’s exit are starting to close with Kamala Harris now leading the charge for the Democrats. Recent polling suggests that even the Democratic stronghold of Virginia might be slipping through their fingers.
Kamala Harris’ decision to partner with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has proven to be a strategic blunder, as new polling from KSTP indicates her lead over Trump in Minnesota has evaporated significantly. Once boasting a healthy 50% to 40% advantage, she now clings to a mere 48% to 43% lead. This decline comes despite the poll featuring a larger pool of Democrats than Republicans, which makes her dip in numbers all the more evident. Apparently, the Democrats’ post-convention bump is more of a post-convention belly flop.
What makes this situation all the more amusing is the realization that Walz, instead of providing a lift, appears to be dragging Harris down in her own state. Only 52% of Minnesotans view him as a solid choice for running mate, while a staggering 34% express outright disdain. This dissatisfaction is not relegated to just one demographic; even male voters are unimpressed, with a nearly even split on whether Walz is a good choice or a poor one. If that’s not a clear indication of a bad pick, it’s hard to know what is.
Whoa! Tim Walz May Actually Be Hurting Kamala's Chances of Winning Minnesota #PJMedia https://t.co/9Q6LEHPl64
— Matt Margolis (@mattmargolis) September 2, 2024
The youth vote, crucial for Harris in the upcoming election, tells another story altogether. Just shy of half—49%—view Walz favorably, while the other half has their doubts, demonstrating that he might not be the ticket’s golden boy she hoped for. With voters under 35 making up a significant portion of potential November ballots, the alarming split is surely unsettling for her campaign. Meanwhile, the parental demographic isn’t buying into Walz either, with a slight majority panning his selection.
Additionally, a rural versus urban sentiment is emerging in Minnesota regarding Walz’s selection, reflecting a political divide that could spell trouble for any candidate trying to unify a fractured electorate. Those in the suburbs and urban areas are more accepting of Walz’s nomination, while rural voters have decidedly turned up their noses at the prospect. Ultimately, Kamala Harris’ gamble on Tim Walz may have been a classic case of a mismatch that could cost her dearly, especially in vital swing states like Pennsylvania, where she might have been ahead had better counsel prevailed. The Democrats are undoubtedly sweating bullets—after all, losing ground in their own backyard is rarely an encouraging sign for a campaign on the rise.
