Former President Barack Obama is gearing up to lend his support to Vice President Kamala Harris on the campaign trail. As they approach the final stages of the election season, Obama’s participation is expected to provide a significant boost.
With his extensive experience in grassroots and digital outreach, his involvement brings notable momentum to Harris’ campaign efforts.
Obama will initiate his campaign support for Harris with a visit to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 10. More details about his planned rallies and visits to key battleground states will be announced in due course.
Hannah Hankins, communication director at the Office of President Barack Obama, has indicated that Obama will continue his active engagement right up till Election Day.
In teaming up with Harris on the campaign trail, Obama is infusing the enthusiasm of his famed “yes, we can” spirit from the unforgettable 2008 campaign.
At that time, the campaign was successful in encouraging supporters to boldly discuss electoral matters with their communities, a challenging yet impactful endeavor. Obama’s approach involved building local support teams that were pivotal in driving voter turnout efforts.
Obama’s 2008 campaign was distinguished by its savvy targeting and forward-thinking digital strategies, pillars which have since become commonplace in political campaigning.
This novel approach allowed his campaign to forge personal connections with voters. Harris’ campaign is likely to employ similar strategies that are bolstered through digital media, paving the way for impactful advertising.
Mirroring Obama’s Campaign Tactics
Harris’ campaign has enlisted the expertise of several key figures from Obama’s campaign: including pollsters, speechwriters, aides, and advisers like David Plouffe, Stephanie Cutter, and Mitch Stewart.
Although Harris and Obama have distinct styles, the excitement surrounding Harris’ campaign echoes the positive vibes of Obama’s 2008 run. Advocating for “a new way forward,” Harris’ message of joy and positivity bears resemblance to Obama’s uplifting themes of hope and change.
According to Liz McKenna, an assistant professor at Harvard University and political sociologist, “This is already a stark contrast to the Clinton 2016 and Biden 2020 campaigns, which lacked a genuine groundswell of enthusiasm.”
Harris’ campaign, like Obama’s 2008 effort, organizes inclusive training events known as “Camp Kamala,” reminiscent of the earlier “Camp Obama” initiatives.
Given the shorter timeline of Harris’ campaign, “Camp Kamala” zeroes in on swift mobilization tactics, with an emphasis on phone calls and door-to-door visits. On the other hand, “Camp Obama” offered in-depth training on grassroots strategies and leadership development, with events held a full year before the elections.
The Harris campaign is also adeptly engaging with younger demographics, using contemporary platforms like TikTok and humor-driven online content. Though President Trump boasts a larger presence on social media, Harris has captured notable attention since launching her campaign in July.
Obama’s Role and Historical Connection with Harris
Since endorsing Harris in July and describing her as the heir to his movement and coalition, Obama has been instrumental in her campaign efforts.
Through fundraising activities and promotional content, he has helped raise over $76 million for Harris. Adviser Eric Schultz asserts that Obama is fully committed to supporting Harris’ bid for the presidency.
Harris and Obama’s connection goes back two decades. Harris was actively involved in supporting Obama’s 2008 presidential run through door-to-door canvassing and fundraising in anticipation of the Iowa caucuses.
Obama reciprocated by publicly backing Harris during her campaigns for California’s attorney general in 2010 and her subsequent Senate run in 2016.
A Longstanding Partnership
The relationship between Harris and Obama dates to the early stages of their political careers. Reports from the BBC highlight how Harris, in those early days, threw her support behind Obama by engaging in groundwork such as door-knocking and organizing fundraisers, showcasing her dedication to his political aspirations. This longstanding partnership continues to play a pivotal role as they collaborate on the current campaign trail.
