Former Clinton pollster Mark Penn expressed on Fox News Thursday that former President Donald Trump needs to establish a “clear economic contrast” with Vice President Kamala Harris, who is currently gaining traction in polls simply by “being liked.”
As voters prepare for the November elections, the economy and inflation remain critical concerns. A recent ABC News/Ipsos survey indicates Trump leading Harris by seven points regarding who is viewed as better equipped to handle these issues. On “Special Report With Bret Baier,” Penn noted that although the “atmospherics” seem favorable for Trump, he has not effectively halted the “Kamala momentum.”
“Well look, I think the atmospherics behind the poll favor Trump. He’s generally got a good record on immigration, on economy, on crime. I think Latino voters, who are have surged to be almost 15% of the electorate, really care about bread and butter economic issues. But the campaign, I agree, hasn’t stopped the Kamala momentum,” Penn remarked.
Former Clinton Pollster Says Trump Must Draw 'Clear Economic Contrast' From Harris pic.twitter.com/zIOuJz3f8R
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) September 20, 2024
“She’s getting by on just being liked, not on the basis of any policies and he’s yet to really draw a clear economic contrast with her that sticks with the voters. He could do it. The atmospherics or behind the scenes are there,” he added. “People think he did a better job as president than President Biden or than she’ll do. But he just hasn’t delivered. He spends too much time on immigration, too much time on side issues and I don’t know why anybody would do a rally in New York if I were Donald Trump.”
In mid-August, Harris began to reveal her economic strategies, but faced significant criticism for proposals like a federal ban on “corporate price gouging” and a $25,000 housing tax credit for first-time homebuyers.
The economic contrast in this election could not be more clear.
President Trump will lower the cost of living and unleash American energy.
Kamala Harris has no plan. pic.twitter.com/7iF4Jt1G9x
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 20, 2024
Voter concerns about the economy remain pronounced, with a poll from The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Siena College showing that 77% of respondents in swing states like Pennsylvania consider the economy to be poor or fair, while only 22% describe it as excellent or good.
