CNN’s Tapper Suggests Trump ‘Has The Edge’ Against Harris
CNN anchor Jake Tapper likely surprised viewers when he remarked that Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, needs to increase her media presence, even suggesting that former President Donald Trump “has the edge” over her.
“Are you surprised that she’s not doing like five events a day?” Tapper asked Democratic strategist and CNN political commentator Karen Finney during his show on Thursday. “I mean, there’s only 26 days left, barnstorming every battleground state, three or four events a day.”
He continued, “Forget the interview thing, okay? I realize I’m biased as a reporter. I want interviews.”
Former Trump White House communications director Michael Dubke chimed in, “More local news, though.”
“But the local news interviews, town halls—it just doesn’t feel like October with the schedules I’m looking at for both of them,” Tapper pushed back. “I kind of think [Trump] has the edge right now.”
Finney disagreed, saying, “Well, I don’t know if I agree with that.”
Tapper clarified, “Not the edge thing, but what about, like, how active the campaign is?”
Finney defended the campaign’s efforts. “I think they’re being very active. And look, she also has her day job. We did just have a tremendous storm come through Florida. She was here in Washington to help deal with that to some degree. But I think you’re going to see that activity kick up over the next several weeks, as it should.”
What could be more troubling for Harris is that polling suggests she is struggling to connect with Black male voters, a demographic she needs to win over. In response, she asked former President Barack Obama to address this group, but the effort stirred controversy.
Obama seemed critical of Black men who are reluctant to support Harris, hinting that sexism might be a factor. During an impromptu stop at a Harris campaign office in Pittsburgh, hours before a rally, he delivered pointed comments on the matter, according to the Washington Post.
“My understanding, based on reports I’m getting from campaigns and communities, is that we have not yet seen the same kinds of energy and turnout in all quarters of our neighborhoods and communities as we saw when I was running,” Obama said, adding that the issue “seems to be more pronounced with the brothers.”
He expressed confusion as to why some Black voters are undecided about Harris or considering Trump. “On the one hand, you have somebody who grew up like you, knows you, went to college with you, understands the struggles and pain and joy that comes from those experiences,” Obama said, referring to Harris. In contrast, he said Trump has “consistently shown disregard, not just for the communities, but for you as a person … And you are thinking about sitting out?”
Obama directly addressed Black men’s hesitation, speculating that some may be uncomfortable with the prospect of a female president. “And you’re coming up with all kinds of reasons and excuses. I’ve got a problem with that,” he said. “Because part of it makes me think—well, you just aren’t feeling the idea of having a woman as president, and you’re coming up with other alternatives and other reasons for that.”
Obama’s remarks were notable as the first Black president urged Black men to back Harris, a historic candidate who could become the first woman of color to win the presidency. Harris herself is both Black and Indian-American.