Vice President Kamala Harris dedicated her Sunday to Philadelphia, underscoring the city’s crucial role in her campaign just nine days ahead of the Election Day. With Philadelphia being nearly 40 percent Black and 15 percent Hispanic, it represents a vital segment of the electorate that Harris must mobilize to secure victory in Pennsylvania. The Democratic stronghold is significant for the vice president, as President Joe Biden garnered 81 percent of the vote there in 2020. However, recent polls indicate a weakening coalition, with Trump making inroads among Black and Latino men, a trend that alarms Democrats. If turnout among these groups does not improve, Harris risks losing Pennsylvania and her pathway to the White House.
On her visit, Harris employed a grassroots approach, engaging with voters in various settings, including a predominantly Black church, a barbershop, and a Puerto Rican restaurant. She cautioned attendees that a second Trump presidency would negatively impact their families, emphasizing the stark differences between the two candidates’ visions for the nation. “This election is about two extremely different visions for our nation,” she stated, contrasting her forward-looking agenda with Trump’s focus on the past.
Challenges in the Democratic Base
Former Representative Charlie Dent (R-Pa.) highlighted the importance of a strong turnout in Philadelphia, particularly among Black and Latino men. Despite a favorable outlook for Harris in the affluent suburbs, concerns remain that she might not match Biden’s performance across other parts of the state, particularly in white, working-class areas. “Kamala Harris needs just a huge plurality coming out of the Philadelphia area,” Dent remarked, emphasizing the necessity of mobilizing key demographics in the city.
Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis noted that Harris has been engaging in “authentic conversations” with Black and Latino men throughout her campaign, stressing the significance of her proposals to improve their lives. However, the rising inflation and high grocery prices present substantial challenges. Many voters, especially younger Black and Latino men, express concerns about the economy and may consider supporting Trump.
During her visit to a barbershop in West Philadelphia, Harris directly addressed these economic concerns, discussing issues such as student loan debt and the importance of representation in education. She highlighted statistics showing that Black children are more likely to pursue higher education when taught by Black teachers. At a nearby youth basketball event, she encouraged students to see themselves as role models, reiterating the importance of resilience.
Rallying Support and Election Strategy
As Harris rallied support, she simultaneously raised awareness of her plans to establish a “task force for Puerto Rico” if elected. She emphasized her commitment to helping families build wealth through initiatives to enhance federal aid for home ownership and small businesses. “The goal is to also, in this process, build community and build coalitions,” she noted, highlighting the need for unity in the campaign’s final days.
Harris also took the opportunity to contrast her vision with Trump’s, reminding voters of the implications of his rhetoric, which she characterized as “dark language about retribution and revenge.” While she expressed optimism about enthusiasm among voters, concerns linger regarding the campaign’s organization, particularly among Black and Latino communities.
With early voting underway in Pennsylvania, the stakes are high for Harris. If she fails to secure a win in the state, her path to the presidency becomes exceedingly narrow. President Biden is set to visit Philadelphia soon, aiming to bolster support for Harris following challenges with key union endorsements. As Harris acknowledged, “Victory runs through Philly. It runs through Pennsylvania,” emphasizing the city’s pivotal role in her campaign’s success.
