Harris and Celebrities Hit Pennsylvania as CNN’s Jones Raises Voter Concerns

In a crucial final campaign push before Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris is rallying in Pennsylvania with prominent celebrities, a strategy that has drawn mixed reactions. CNN commentator Van Jones voiced worries about the potential downsides of these events, noting a similar approach that may have backfired in 2016.

Harris’s campaign strategy, emphasizing star-studded rallies, has sparked debate over its potential impact on voter turnout in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state.

Harris’s Pennsylvania campaign events feature Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry, aiming to energize voters with high-profile support in cities like Philadelphia, Allentown, and Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania, where both candidates are focusing efforts, is expected to be pivotal in determining the next U.S. president. Former President Donald Trump, Harris’s Republican rival, is also campaigning in Pennsylvania alongside visits to Michigan and North Carolina, underscoring his commitment to securing votes in crucial swing states.

Jones Expresses Concerns Over Celebrity Impact

While Harris’s campaign has welcomed celebrity endorsements, some, like CNN’s Van Jones, have questioned their effectiveness. Jones pointed to Hillary Clinton’s use of star-studded events in 2016, suggesting they may have inadvertently hurt her turnout, particularly in working-class areas.

According to Jones, large celebrity gatherings can present a dilemma for working-class voters, who may need to choose between attending the event or managing other responsibilities like finding childcare or even voting. “I don’t like these big star-studded events,” Jones said, describing his concern for turnout in critical voting segments.

Jones’s remarks underscore the delicate balance campaigns face in appealing to diverse voter groups without potentially alienating them. In Pennsylvania, where working-class voters play a significant role, these dynamics are especially pronounced.

Concerns Over Jewish Voter Turnout

Jones also highlighted concerns about the Jewish voter turnout for Harris in Pennsylvania, noting a possible decline in support compared to previous elections. In 2020, Joe Biden won Pennsylvania’s Jewish vote by a 70-30 margin, a significant portion of his overall support in the state.

Polling data for Harris, however, suggests a closer race, with some surveys indicating an even 50-50 split in Jewish voter support. This shift could result in a critical difference of around 70,000 votes, according to Jones’s estimates.

Jones explained that the potential loss in Jewish voter support could heavily impact Harris’s chances in Pennsylvania, where every vote is expected to matter. “That is the margin for victory,” he emphasized, noting the possible implications for Harris’s campaign.

Strategic Importance of Pennsylvania for Both Candidates

Pennsylvania’s importance in the 2024 election is underscored by campaign strategies from both parties. Scott Jennings, another CNN political commentator, emphasized that winning Pennsylvania could likely determine the next president.

Harris’s celebrity-backed events are strategically placed in major Pennsylvania cities to maximize reach and engagement. Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Allentown are known for their diverse voting populations, and Harris’s team is hoping to mobilize a wide spectrum of voters.

For his part, Trump has also recognized Pennsylvania’s strategic value, making stops in the state while balancing efforts in other battlegrounds like Michigan and North Carolina. Trump’s campaign events aim to solidify support among Pennsylvania’s rural and suburban voters, who turned out strongly for him in previous elections.

Early Voting Trends and Implications

As of Sunday morning, over 77 million ballots had already been cast nationwide, reflecting strong early voter turnout. This surge in early voting adds another layer of complexity to the last-minute campaign strategies of both Harris and Trump.

For Harris, maintaining high turnout in traditionally Democratic-leaning areas while ensuring she does not lose ground in crucial voter demographics, like Jewish voters, remains a central focus. Van Jones’s concerns highlight the potential risk involved in a celebrity-focused strategy, especially if it does not resonate with Pennsylvania’s diverse electorate.

Early voting patterns may offer insight into how these last-minute strategies will play out on Election Day. However, both campaigns acknowledge that final-day turnout could still make a critical difference, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania.

Final Day Push Reflects Tight Race

With both Harris and Trump making high-stakes appeals in Pennsylvania, the campaign’s intensity underscores the closeness of the race. Harris’s team is relying on prominent endorsements to amplify her platform, while Trump continues to appeal to his base in areas with historically strong Republican support.

Jones’s unease with the approach comes from the belief that campaign events should prioritize accessibility and relatability, particularly for working-class voters. “In fact, they probably helped us lose last time,” he said, referencing Clinton’s loss in Pennsylvania in 2016 after similar star-studded rallies.

As Election Day approaches, both campaigns are aiming for a final surge in turnout, hoping to tip the balance in their favor. With Pennsylvania seen as a deciding state, every vote will be essential in determining the winner.