Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly struggling in Michigan, a crucial swing state for Democrats. According to Michigan Representative Elissa Slotkin (D), internal polling reveals that Harris is "underwater" in the Wolverine State. Slotkin's comments, made during a virtual fundraiser, have set off alarm bells for Democrats, especially given Michigan’s significance in the 2024 election.
Harris’s difficulties in Michigan come as a surprise to some, given that Michigan has been a battleground in recent elections. Former President Donald Trump narrowly won the state in 2016 but lost it to Joe Biden in 2020. However, recent polling paints a troubling picture for Harris. A New York Times/Siena College poll shows Harris leading Trump by only 1 percentage point, a razor-thin margin that underscores the tightness of the race.
🔥BOOM!
Trump just called out Joe Biden and ‘Lyin’ Kamala Harris!
As we have entire CITIES underwater and massive casualties in the south eastern part of America, Joe is sleeping on a beach and Kamala is attending a fundraiser.
Why are the “leaders” of our nation laid back… pic.twitter.com/EC4e3bAgNw
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) September 29, 2024
Slotkin, who is running for the Senate herself, expressed her concerns to donors, warning that the polling is a sign of broader challenges. Slotkin’s Senate race against Republican Mike Rogers is also heating up, with both candidates locked in a tight contest. Millions of dollars are flowing into the state from both parties, as Michigan could play a decisive role not only in the presidential race but also in the battle for Senate control.
This polling slump for Harris could be attributed to several factors. Michigan is home to the largest Arab-American population in the country, and Harris’s stance on foreign policy—particularly the Biden administration’s support for Israel during the ongoing Gaza conflict—has left many disillusioned. A large number of voters from this community cast “uncommitted” ballots during the Democratic primaries and have been hesitant to throw their support behind Harris in the general election.
🚨JUST IN: Elissa Slotkin admits Harris is UNDERWATER in Michigan.pic.twitter.com/e8orclzuy4
— Pro America Politics (@Pro__Trading) September 29, 2024
Adding to Democratic woes is the broader national landscape. If Trump manages to sweep states in the Sun Belt and secure Michigan or another state in the so-called “Blue Wall,” it could be a significant step towards reclaiming the White House.
Slotkin’s blunt admission that Harris is struggling has only added to concerns about the party’s standing in the state. GOP operatives are sensing a prime opportunity not just in the presidential race but also in potentially flipping Slotkin’s Senate seat.
For Democrats, the narrowing gap in Michigan underscores the challenges Harris faces. While public polls still show her with a slight lead, Slotkin’s internal data suggests a much closer race than many anticipated. GOP strategists, meanwhile, are confident that the race is tightening, particularly as Slotkin's campaign fends off a well-funded Republican effort. A surprise Republican win in Michigan could all but guarantee a GOP majority in the Senate.
The race in Michigan is far from over, but Slotkin’s warning highlights the high stakes for Democrats as they head into 2024. With polls showing Harris’s lead shrinking, Michigan could once again become a key battleground that determines the outcome of the election.
