Political Showdown in North Carolina: Kamala Harris Focuses on Economic Policy

North Carolina is in the political spotlight: Vice President Kamala Harris, in a widely noted speech on economic policy at the peak of the Democratic Party convention, emphasized the importance of economic policy for voters. Also in attendance was North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, who introduced Harris as a guest speaker at the final event. It's no surprise that Donald Trump regularly holds campaign events in North Carolina, often enough to make one worry he might want to establish a second Mar-a-Lago there. The state holds immense significance—it brings 16 electoral votes, the same number as Georgia, placing it just behind Michigan and Ohio. These votes could be decisive in the 2024 election, especially since the Cook Political Report now rates North Carolina as a "toss-up." North Carolina has not voted Democratic since 2008, when Barack Obama won there. Joe Biden narrowly lost in 2020 by about 75,000 votes, which is less than 1.4 percentage points. But 2024 could be different. Political analysts are observing remarkable momentum in Harris's campaign, which is investing substantial resources in the state. According to the Pew Research Center, about 23 percent of eligible voters in North Carolina are Black, compared to 14 percent nationwide. This mobilization strongly reminds experts of the year 2008. Professor Michael Bitzer from Catawba College also reports a notable trend in the Republican primary: Nikki Haley received surprisingly high vote shares in urban districts, despite her campaign being considered failed. This indicates a strong anti-Trump sentiment among moderate Republicans and Independents. Another nuance could change this year's political landscape: the Republican candidates for statewide offices are thoroughly infused with MAGA resentment. Particularly noteworthy is Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, the gubernatorial candidate known for his extreme, for example, misogynistic, homophobic, and anti-Semitic statements. Michele Morrow, the candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction, went even further and called for the execution of leading Democrats. Asher Hildebrand, Professor at Duke University, emphasizes that while these extreme positions may not necessarily mobilize more voters for Harris, they could deter potential Trump voters from the polls. In a state where every single percentage point can count, this could tip the scales in favor of the Democrats.