“Harris Is Taking Pages Out of the Republican Playbook”: GOP Strategist Commends Kamala Harris’s Campaign Strategy

In an op-ed published by MSNBC on Tuesday, Republican strategist Susan Del Percio argues that while there is no official “playbook for a three-month presidential campaign,” Vice President Kamala Harris may have found the formula for success. Del Percio acknowledges that, like many political analysts, she doesn’t have insider knowledge of the Harris campaign’s operations. However, she writes, “the way the campaign has gone so far gives me confidence in how things are going there.”

Echoing this sentiment, GOP pollster Frank Luntz praised Harris’s campaign strategy during an appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box. He suggested that the 2024 Democratic nominee is “taking pages out of the Republican playbook” and credited her for what he described as an “important use of language.” Luntz highlighted Harris’s statements positioning herself as a capitalist and framing the Democratic Party as the “party of freedom.” He noted, “If you just listen to these general statements, she actually sounds like a moderate Republican.”

Del Percio also pointed to several key achievements since Harris joined the race in late July. “Since she joined the race at the end of July, Harris has raised record amounts of money, including enough to help Democrats down-ballot; whooped Donald Trump in their only debate; picked up endorsements from some notable Republicans; developed a great volunteer network and expanded the substantial ground operation she inherited from President Joe Biden,” she wrote.

While Del Percio acknowledges that these accomplishments “may not be enough” to secure victory, she emphasizes the campaign’s robust efforts behind the scenes. The Harris team, she explains, has been actively engaging with supporters through various channels, including email, text messages, social media, phone calls, and door-knocking campaigns. Additionally, she highlights the “millions of dollars in ads rolling out daily” as part of the campaign’s strategy.

In support of Harris’s growing momentum, CNBC referenced a recent New York Times/Siena College poll published on Tuesday. The poll revealed that, for the first time since President Joe Biden dropped out of the election as the presumptive Democratic nominee in mid-July, Harris is leading Donald Trump nationally. This surge in support showcases the effectiveness of her campaign’s strategic approach, bolstered by her messaging and outreach efforts.

The insights from both Del Percio and Luntz underscore that Harris’s campaign is not only breaking records but also borrowing tactics traditionally associated with Republicans to broaden her appeal and secure support ahead of the election.