Kamala Harris Struggles To Connect With Voters: Insights From Frank Luntz

Vice President Kamala Harris continues to face challenges in connecting with the few remaining undecided — but persuadable — voters, according to GOP pollster Frank Luntz. In an appearance on CNBC Thursday morning in the aftermath of Harris' CNN town hall, Luntz stated that Harris's communication strategy is not resonating with those critical voters. He pointed out a particular incident during the town hall where Harris shifted the focus to former President Donald Trump, avoiding a direct answer to a question about immigration and the border wall.

“They asked her specifically, ‘Where do you stand on the wall?’ And what does she do? She shifts it right to Donald Trump,” Luntz explained. This tendency to deflect rather than engage directly has become a focal point of criticism against her campaign. The Republican pollster emphasized that while Harris had moments where she effectively presented her case for election, her recent emphasis on attacking Trump has stalled her progress.

As the election approaches, Harris's campaign is under pressure to regain momentum. Less than two weeks ahead of the election, Luntz believes that the vice president's difficulties in connecting with key voter demographics could prove detrimental, especially in swing states. He highlighted that the outcome of the election may hinge on her ability to appeal to specific groups, such as people of color in North Carolina and Georgia, union members in the Rust Belt, and Latinos in Arizona and Nevada.

“What you do with voters of color determines North Carolina and Georgia,” Luntz asserted. “How you do with union voters determines Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.” Despite the challenges, national polls indicate a tight race between Trump and Harris, with a recent New York Times/Siena College poll showing Harris leading Trump nationally by 49% to 46%. However, Luntz cautioned that the persuadable voters, estimated at around 2% of the electorate, have yet to favor Harris, and time is running out for her to bring them on board.

He noted that many undecided voters might not participate in the election at all, but those who can be swayed might respond positively to a refined message from Harris. “They can be moved by Harris, not by Trump,” Luntz concluded, stressing the importance of clear communication in her campaign strategy.