By Edelia J. Carthan, Ed.D.,
Contributing Writer,
With just 25 days remaining until what many are calling the most crucial election of our lifetime, Vice President Kamala Harris is ramping up her campaign for president, dominating the media landscape while former President Donald Trump remains notably absent from major interviews.
This past week, Harris appeared on a series of high-profile media platforms while Donald Trump remained conspicuously absent from major interviews, opting instead for smaller, targeted media spots.
Harris’s media blitz kicked off with a much-anticipated 60 Minutes interview that aired Monday evening, where she laid out the stakes of the election. “We are fighting for the future of this country,” she said. “The American people deserve leadership that is accountable, transparent and committed to progress.”
This week, Harris appeared on a series of popular programs, including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The View, Howard Stern’s radio show, and The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, a favorite among urban radio listeners.
On the latter, Harris spoke directly to the Black community, addressing economic justice and criminal justice reform. “We have to make sure the progress we’ve made isn’t rolled back,” she said. “This is about ensuring that every family, in every community, has a shot at the American dream.”
On Sunday, Harris appeared on the Call Her Daddy podcast, where she reflected on her journey as a barrier-breaking leader. “For me, it’s not just about being the first woman in certain roles – it’s about making sure I’m not the last. Leadership is about building pathways for others.”
One of the week’s biggest moments came with the endorsement of NBA legend Magic Johnson. His endorsement represents a significant boost for Harris, particularly among young voters and communities of color. “Kamala Harris is the right choice to lead this country,” Johnson said in his announcement. “She’s got the vision and the experience to unite us and move us forward.”
This final stretch of media appearances has targeted diverse audiences, from Stern’s millions of subscribers to The View’s loyal viewers and The Rickey Smiley Morning Show’s urban audience, which is critical for securing key voter demographics.
Harris is not just dominating the airwaves –she’s taking her message directly to voters.
On Thursday, she’s heading to Nevada to participate in a Univision town hall in Las Vegas, addressing key issues important to the Latino community. On Friday, she’ll be in Arizona, another battleground state, urging voters to take advantage of early voting, which began this week in the state.
Harris’s campaign has also gained momentum with the full backing of former President Barack Obama. Starting later this week in Pennsylvania, Obama will be stumping for Harris in key swing states. His presence on the campaign trail comes as polls show tight margins in crucial battlegrounds like Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
A Decision Desk HQ/The Hill average of polls shows Harris with narrow leads in these states, while Trump holds slim advantages in Arizona and Georgia.
In a surprising turn, a new CNN poll released this week shows Kamala Harris making significant inroads with a traditionally Republican audience. According to the poll, Harris has gained ground among suburban voters and moderate Republicans, narrowing Trump’s lead in key demographics. Notably, 12% of Republican respondents said they are either considering voting for Harris or remain undecided, a sharp increase from previous polls where that number hovered around 7%.
The poll also shows Harris pulling ahead with 48% of suburban women voters compared to Trump’s 44%, signaling a potential shift in crucial battleground areas. These numbers could be a game-changer as early voting gets underway in key states.
“President Obama knows what’s at stake in this election, and that’s why he’s all in to help Kamala Harris cross the finish line,” said Eric Schulz, a senior adviser to Obama. “He’s confident that she has what it takes to unite the country and lead us through these challenging times.”
As the countdown to Election Day intensifies, Harris’s strategy is clear: dominate the airwaves, rally the base, and energize voters in swing states. With the support of major endorsements, a relentless media presence, and Obama’s firepower on the campaign trail, Harris is making her final push to secure a victory in what is shaping up to be one of the tightest races in modern history.
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