CHARLESTON, S.C: As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Vice President Kamala Harris finds herself in a pivotal location: Charleston, South Carolina. This historically significant city in the Palmetto State is emerging as a crucial battleground, potentially deciding the outcome of her contest with former President Donald Trump.
On Wednesday, Harris began a crucial two-day tour of South Carolina’s Lowcountry region, accompanied by her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The pair first visited a local community college, engaging with both staff and students before enjoying a local seafood restaurant.
Thursday’s schedule features Harris and Walz in their initial major interview since launching their tour, followed by what is expected to be a significant public rally in Charleston.
By choosing South Carolina for her initial campaign trail appearance following last week’s Democratic National Convention, Harris signals that the state is a key player in the November elections.
NEW POLL SHOWS TIGHT RACE IN FOUR SWING STATES
The state of South Carolina, once a solid Republican stronghold, saw a shift in the 2020 election when President Biden narrowly defeated Trump. This year, however, Trump has regained a slight edge in the polls, reflecting a strong performance in recent debates.
Recent polls from August 23-26 show Harris with a narrow lead of 51%-49% over Trump among likely voters in South Carolina. This contrasts with earlier polls showing Trump with a four-point advantage over Biden.
South Carolina’s well-known Republican Governor, Henry McMaster, acknowledges the state’s competitive nature.
“South Carolina is undeniably a key battleground,” McMaster emphasized in an interview. “There’s no path for Trump to secure victory without South Carolina, and we’re working hard to ensure a win.”
CAMPAIGNS ARE ALL IN ON SOUTH CAROLINA
Democrats are equally committed to South Carolina. The Harris campaign boasts an extensive operation, with a substantial staff presence across the state and multiple campaign offices.
Vice President Kamala Harris, now the Democratic nominee, previously held a rally in Columbia. Her current tour focuses on the state’s rural and suburban areas, areas critical for a statewide victory.
Quentin Fulks, Harris’ campaign manager, emphasized the strategy of engaging not only urban centers but also rural communities. “Winning in South Carolina requires a broad outreach strategy,” Fulks stated. “We need to be competitive everywhere, from urban hubs to rural towns.”
ELECTORAL STRATEGIES AND CAMPAIGN SPENDING
The Harris campaign’s focus on South Carolina is strategic, aiming to attract a diverse voter base, including rural, suburban, and urban voters, with significant outreach to African American communities and working-class families.
The Trump campaign, meanwhile, has ramped up its efforts, with a major push to consolidate support across South Carolina. The campaign’s expenditure on ads and grassroots efforts underscores the state’s importance.
Both campaigns are heavily investing in media buys, with the Trump campaign allocating approximately $30 million and the Harris campaign exceeding $40 million in ad spending.
FUNDRAISERS AND POLITICAL STRATEGY
In a recent shift, Trump has attempted to mend fences with South Carolina’s Republican leadership after earlier criticisms. Governor McMaster is actively supporting Trump’s campaign and hosting a major fundraiser in Charleston alongside other prominent Republicans.
As the November election approaches, the stakes in South Carolina are high. Veteran political analyst Stephen Lawson notes, “South Carolina remains a critical state. The significant investments and intense campaigning reflect its importance in the presidential race.”