Vice President Kamala Harris has significantly bolstered her presidential campaign by adding several high-profile strategists with deep ties to Barack Obama’s successful presidential runs. This move comes as Harris prepares for the intense electoral battle against Republican nominee Donald Trump in the upcoming November 5 U.S. presidential election.
Among the new additions to Harris’ campaign team is David Plouffe, a key figure in both of Obama’s campaigns. Plouffe, who managed Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign and played a crucial role in his 2012 re-election, has been brought on board as a senior adviser. His extensive experience and strategic acumen are expected to provide a substantial boost to Harris’ campaign as she seeks to build on the momentum of her recent delegate successes.
Stephanie Cutter, another significant name joining the Harris team, will serve as a senior adviser on strategy and messaging. Cutter, known for her role as Obama’s White House communications director and deputy campaign manager, brings a wealth of experience in shaping and conveying campaign narratives. Her firm is also under contract to produce the Democratic National Convention in August, further integrating her into the campaign’s core strategy.
Mitch Stewart, who has a proven track record from both of Obama’s campaigns, will join Harris’ team as a senior adviser focused on battleground states. Stewart’s role will be crucial in mobilizing support in key regions that could determine the election’s outcome. Additionally, David Binder, who led Obama’s public opinion research efforts, will lead the opinion research operation for Harris, providing vital insights into voter sentiment and campaign effectiveness.
All of these new hires will report to Jen O’Malley Dillon, who chairs the Harris campaign. Dillon, a veteran of Obama’s campaigns and President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign, has been instrumental in shaping Biden’s re-election strategy. Her leadership in Harris’ campaign aims to replicate the successful elements of previous Democratic campaigns.
In a related development, Mike Donilon, a longtime Biden adviser, will return to the White House for the final months of Biden’s presidency. Donilon’s move follows Biden’s recent decision to end his re-election bid, clearing the path for Harris’ candidacy. This transition underscores the shifting dynamics as Harris prepares to focus on her campaign for the top job.
The strengthening of Harris’ campaign team comes at a crucial time. With Trump as the Republican nominee, the competition is expected to be fierce. Harris’ strategic moves, bolstered by seasoned advisers from the Obama era, signal her readiness to leverage past successes and navigate the complexities of the current political landscape.
As the Harris campaign gears up for the final stretch leading to the election, the involvement of these high-profile Obama veterans highlights a concerted effort to build a robust and effective campaign infrastructure. Their combined expertise in strategy, messaging, and voter research is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and securing victory in November.
