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Staff Writer

Mercedes Schlapp on Newsmax: Georgia Race Tightens as Harris’ Turnout Lags



Top Points:

  • Close Race in Georgia: Mercedes Schlapp highlighted that Georgia remains a critical battleground with a highly competitive race. Recent polling shows it’s too close to call, putting pressure on both parties to secure every possible vote.

  • Kamala Harris’ Struggles with Turnout: Schlapp pointed out that Vice President Kamala Harris has not attracted the expected level of turnout or enthusiasm during her campaign appearances in Georgia. This underwhelming response could signal trouble for Democrats, as Harris is seen as a key figure in rallying the base in swing states.

  • Potential Miscalculation by Democrats: Schlapp suggested that relying heavily on Harris to mobilize Georgia voters may be a strategic error for Democrats, especially when local voters are more focused on economic and security concerns. This potential disconnect could give Republicans an advantage in the final stretch of the campaign.


Full Report:

Mercedes Schlapp, a former White House Senior Advisor, appeared on Newsmax to discuss the current state of the race in Georgia, where a close competition is unfolding, and Vice President Kamala Harris’ turnout efforts are reportedly underwhelming. Schlapp pointed to recent polling data and on-the-ground reports, suggesting that Harris’ appeal in Georgia is not yielding the anticipated enthusiasm, raising concerns for Democrats in this pivotal swing state.


“Georgia is a battleground, and every vote will count here,” Schlapp emphasized. She noted that despite the Biden-Harris administration’s attempts to galvanize key demographics, Harris’ appearances have not drawn the kind of crowds or enthusiasm that many Democrats had hoped for. According to Schlapp, the lack of significant turnout in Harris-led events could signal trouble for the Democratic strategy in Georgia, where margins have been razor-thin in recent elections.


Polling data has shown that the race remains exceptionally close, with some surveys even giving a slight edge to Republican candidates. Schlapp explained that Republicans are capitalizing on voter concerns over issues like inflation, crime, and border security — issues that resonate strongly with Georgia’s suburban voters. “These are voters who feel the economic pinch, and they’re seeing it every day,” she said. “When Kamala Harris shows up to rally support, they’re not seeing answers to those immediate concerns.”


Schlapp underscored the importance of Georgia for both parties, reminding viewers that the state played a critical role in deciding the 2020 election and will likely do so again. Republicans have focused heavily on mobilizing voters and addressing local concerns, while Democrats are banking on a high turnout from urban and younger voters. Yet, Schlapp argued, Harris’ struggles to inspire and energize the base in Georgia could be a weak link in that strategy.


Some political analysts have observed that Harris’ public events are often smaller in size and lack the high-energy atmosphere typically seen in the final weeks of a campaign. Schlapp suggested that the Democratic National Committee’s reliance on Harris as a top surrogate may be a miscalculation, given her lukewarm reception in certain critical areas. “They need someone who can speak directly to these voters’ concerns, and so far, it doesn’t look like Harris is breaking through.”


The race in Georgia continues to tighten as both parties ramp up their efforts. With early voting already underway, Schlapp cautioned that the Democrats’ struggles to rally the base in Georgia could tilt the scales toward Republicans.


References: Newsmax interview with Mercedes Schlapp, polling data from recent surveys in Georgia.



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