McCormick's Strategy in Pennsylvania Senate Race
As August comes to a close, Senate candidate Dave McCormick (R-PA) acknowledges that he didn't fully engage with the Gen Z "brat summer" trend, a term that Vice President Kamala Harris has embraced to attract younger voters. Despite its popularity, McCormick dismisses the term as non-serious in a time when the country is grappling with inflation, increasing living costs, and issues at the southern border. In an interview with RealClearPolitics, McCormick stated that people are seeking a serious conversation about the country's future.
McCormick's Rising Popularity
While many Republicans express a desire to focus on policy rather than trends, they argue that Democrats have been given a free pass on substance since Harris replaced President Biden as the nominee. Despite this, McCormick is gaining traction in Pennsylvania. He recently tied with incumbent Sen. Bob Casey in a CNN/SSRS poll at 46% and is now only three points behind the Democrat in the RealClearPolitics Average.
Harris's Influence in Pennsylvania
However, the situation is not as promising for Republicans at the top of the ticket. Harris has not only recovered the ground that Biden lost to Trump in the crucial swing state, but she is now tied with him in Pennsylvania. Nineteen electoral college votes, and potentially the White House, are at stake. This is a significant turnaround, as Trump had maintained a slim lead for seven consecutive months.
McCormick's Strategy Against Harris
McCormick quickly defined his stance against Harris through a 90-second ad that highlighted some of her most progressive policy proposals like ending the Senate filibuster, banning fracking, decriminalizing illegal immigration, and mandating gun buyback programs. The aim was to associate Casey with Harris, who was once rated the most liberal member of the Senate.
Casey's Response
In response, a spokeswoman for the Casey campaign stated that McCormick was "grasping at straws" and highlighted Casey's record of voting against fracking bans and supporting the bipartisan Senate border bill, which Harris pledges to sign into law if elected.
McCormick's Continued Focus on Harris
Despite Harris's recent disavowal of her previous calls to ban fracking and decriminalize border crossings, McCormick remains skeptical. He questions whether voters are willing to take the risk that she still believes in the radical policies she previously supported. He asserts that Casey has consistently voted for Harris's policies and suggests that running a tape of vintage Harris is an effective strategy in Pennsylvania.
McCormick and Casey's Upcoming Debate
McCormick and Casey have agreed to a debate next month in Pennsylvania, a state that is crucial to the Republicans' chances of retaking the Senate and the White House. McCormick predicts a close race and believes that defining the opposition will be key for Republicans both in the state and nationally.
Bottom Line
McCormick's strategy of focusing on policy over trends seems to be paying off, as he has surged to a tie in Pennsylvania and may represent the Republicans' best chance of retaking the Senate. What are your thoughts on this development? Do you think McCormick's strategy will prove successful in the long run? Share your thoughts and don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
