As Vice President Kamala Harris returns to Pennsylvania on Wednesday, her campaign and supporters are concentrating efforts on Republican voters in the state. During her visit, Harris is scheduled to participate in an interview with Bret Baier of Fox News. Her team is endeavoring to win over disaffected Republican voters in vital states such as Pennsylvania. NPR correspondent Sarah McCammon visited the Philadelphia suburbs to assess the progress of these outreach initiatives.
Brittany Prime has been engaging with women who typically vote Republican but feel uneasy about former President Donald Trump. Prime, whose experience lies in Republican fundraising, could not support the party’s nominee in 2016. She is now a founder of Women4Us, a group committed to persuading Republican women to support Vice President Harris instead of Trump, focusing particularly on key states like North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania.
Met at a pizza parlor in Montgomery County, outside Philadelphia, Prime mentioned that some women are reluctant to disclose to their acquaintances or spouses if they do not support Trump. She highlighted a recent rally where Trump instructed attendees not to raise their hands if voting for Harris, emphasizing the challenge this poses for many women.
The Harris campaign is making efforts to engage disaffected Republican voters. Ann Womble, who switched her registration to independent when Trump became the nominee in 2016, now serves as co-chair of Republicans for Harris in Pennsylvania. Womble reports that some voters feel relief in discussing their concerns about Trump with someone like her.
As part of their outreach, Harris’s campaign highlights endorsements from several prominent Republicans, including former Trump administration members and elected officials like former Congresswoman Liz Cheney. At a recent event in Montgomery County, hosted by the super PAC DemocracyFirst, Cheney shared her perspective on the January 6 events.
Don Keyser, a 79-year-old lifelong Republican, expressed regret for voting for Trump in the past elections, indicating that January 6 was the decisive factor in changing his stance.
The outcome of attempts to sway former Trump supporters remains uncertain. Organizers are optimistic, referencing the popularity of former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who saw considerable support even after exiting the Republican race. Craig Snyder, director of Haley Voters for Harris, believes Harris has the opportunity to appeal to undecided voters, unlike Trump.
Despite acknowledging that many long-standing Republicans may unite behind Trump, those working to elect Harris note that swaying even a small portion of these voters could potentially influence a state’s results and the overall election. Sarah McCammon reports for NPR News from Glenside, Pennsylvania.
