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Great post full of optimism for Democrats, Thomas. Could Harris really win North Carolina? Possibly, but I'm skeptical. The Barack Obama - Hillary Clinton NC primary battle in the spring of 2008 was a unique example of retail politics for more than a month. Barack, Michelle, Bill and Hillary were all over the state, even small towns like Laurinburg where I met Bill Clinton. Michelle campaigned at NC State, Barack played basketball with the UNC Tar Heels in Chapel Hill. Both Andy Griffith and Ron Howard (Opie) endorsed him. The NC NAACP, led by Rev. William Barber, was deeply energized and mobilized. Even so, Obama won the state by just 14,000 votes.

Kamala Harris has been to NC cities 7 times this year, and is coming again next Thursday to Raleigh with her new running mate. Maybe if an army of Democratic activists knock on doors in every swing neighborhood it would be possible to win the state.

One parallel to 2008. McCain-Palin and Trump-Harris both have negative momentum. Trump's campaign appears to be imploding. https://jimbuie.substack.com/p/kamala-harris-has-big-mo-will-it

But Trump's not yet as bad off as McCain was in 2008. The libertarians and the right-wingers in the Constitution Party in NC abandoned him. If he got most of their votes, he would have won the state.

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I believe you’re right on all points. My only disagreement is that I see moderate Republicans voting for Harris as their way to try to put a stake through the heart of Trump, Trumpists and MAGA fanatics

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Thomas. You have been hitting on all fours since the horrendous debate performance by Biden. I await your analysis each new post. Thanks for your insights and right on observations.

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Thanks, Jim! Hope you're doing well.

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