Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign is strategically targeting voters in Pennsylvania and Michigan by tailoring her message on Israel and Gaza to resonate with different segments of the electorate. This approach underscores the campaign's efforts to navigate the complex issue that has sparked divisions within the Democratic coalition.
In Pennsylvania, where undecided Jewish voters hold significance, Harris' ads emphasize her commitment to “stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself.” On the other hand, in Michigan, with its substantial Arab American population, the ads highlight her promise not to remain silent on the human suffering in Gaza.
Facebook advertisements directed at Pennsylvania voters feature a video of Harris' speech at the Democratic National Committee, focusing on her stance on defending Israel. The ads are strategically edited to emphasize the sections of her speech that address the “heartbreaking” suffering in Gaza.
Conversely, in Michigan, Harris' campaign is running multiple Facebook ads showcasing her remarks on the suffering in Gaza from various speeches.
While the Harris campaign declined to provide a comment on their strategy, it is common for campaigns to tailor their messaging to specific voter groups, a practice that has evolved with the advancements in digital targeting.
These targeted efforts by Harris come amidst Republican attempts to exploit the Democratic discord on the Israel-Gaza issue. For instance, the Republican-affiliated Future Coalition PAC is running digital ads aimed at Muslim voters portraying Harris as a staunch supporter of Israel. Simultaneously, the PAC is circulating ads targeting Jewish voters, accusing Harris of “pandering to Palestine” and urging her to side with Israel, the U.S. ally.
