Top Democrats in Pennsylvania are raising concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign strategy in this critical battleground state, according to a report from Politico. Party leaders, particularly in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs, are frustrated by what they perceive as a lack of outreach to key stakeholders and an inefficient use of campaign surrogates. There’s also growing worry that Harris’ team is not doing enough to engage voters of color, a group vital to her success.
Much of the criticism is focused on Nikki Lu, Harris’ Pennsylvania campaign manager, who many believe lacks the local knowledge needed to navigate Philadelphia, a city crucial for boosting Democratic turnout.
“I have concerns about Nikki Lu,” said Ryan Boyer, who, as the first Black head of the city’s influential building trades council, is one of the most powerful labor leaders in the state. “I don’t think she understands Philadelphia.”
For some Pennsylvania Democratic elected officials, party leaders and allies, 20 of whom POLITICO spoke to for this article, they’re anxious the in-state operation has set them back.
Latino and Black Democratic leaders met with Harris officials behind closed doors in separate meetings in Philadelphia late last month and pressed the campaign on their concerns, said five people who attended or were briefed on them. In the conversations, which included Lu and Harris deputy chief of staff Sergio Gonzales, the leaders asked for a greater presence at local events, an improved surrogate operation and a more sophisticated understanding of how to engage with diverse voting blocs.
In recent weeks, the in-state campaign has brought on new staff, which has given some Democrats more confidence. But they fear they are running out of time.
Pennsylvania is likely the most important swing state in 2024. In 2016, Trump shocked Hillary Clinton, winning the Keystone State and the presidency. In 2020, Biden helped put it back in the Democratic column by touting his ties to Scranton, Pennsylvania, a working class town in the northeastern portion of the state.
Harris has been hindered in the state by her obsession with climate change, particularly fracking. The vice president went on a late night talk show during the 2020 campaign and directly attacked fracking, saying she’d finally put an end to the practice once and for all.
UNEARTHED VIDEO: Kamala Harris on Jimmy Fallon.
Committed to passing the Green New Deal & “finally putting an end to FRACKING once and for all.”
No way this person now supports fracking. That’s crazy talk.
Fallon: “MamalaKamala just don’t give a frack!”pic.twitter.com/RBZ7ONqDSe
— Tim Murtaugh (@TimMurtaugh) September 21, 2024
New Conservative Post explained what a disastrous position this would be for Pennsylvania: “Fracking has become a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economy, largely due to the state’s vast Marcellus Shale formation, one of the richest natural gas deposits in the U.S. The boom in hydraulic fracturing has transformed Pennsylvania into a major energy producer, attracting billions of dollars in investment from the oil and gas industry. The expansion of natural gas production has provided a surge in jobs, not only directly within the energy sector but also through ancillary industries such as transportation, manufacturing, and construction. As a result, fracking has generated significant tax revenues for the state, contributing to local economies and public services.
Additionally, fracking has helped lower energy costs for Pennsylvania residents and businesses, stimulating broader economic growth. The abundant supply of natural gas has made electricity and heating more affordable, benefiting consumers and industries alike. Natural gas has also become a key export product, strengthening Pennsylvania’s trade position.”
[Read More: Swing State Shatters Early Voting Record]
