Thursday, August 15, marked the fiftieth day since the Trump-Biden television debate, and what a tumultuous 50 days it has been! A presidential election that seemed Donald Trump’s to lose has turned into a dead-even contest nationally, with the momentum presently favoring the Harris-Walz ticket.
While most local Democratic candidates nationally had been polling several points ahead of the 81-year-old Joe Biden at the head of their ticket, 59-year-old Kamala Harris has developed the formidable political coattails likely to end up an asset to her side come the November election.
How is the nationwide “Kamalamentum” being viewed by local Democrats? Kelleigh McKenzie, chair of the Ulster Democratic Committee, has little doubt the national enthusiasm would benefit local Democrats.
“When president Biden passed the torch to vice-president Harris, we saw an immediate increase in volunteer signups,” said McKenzie on Monday, August 12. “The addition of Walz to the ticket has only increased the enthusiasm — our Harris/Walz signs are a hot item! — and people are feeling excited and inspired. We are working to channel that energy into helping with the two swing congressional races here in Ulster County, Pat Ryan in NY18 and Josh Riley in NY19, and hope to send Harris to the White House with a blue Congress ready to pass legislation to protect our freedoms and improve people’s lives.”
Evan Holland-Shepler, chair of the New Paltz Democratic Committee, said the momentum around Harris combined with some of Trump’s recent behavior has galvanized young voters and voters of color.
“I’m freaking pumped, absolutely pumped,” agreed Holland-Shepler.
“Kamala Harris’ campaign has been a lightning rod of enthusiasm and energy for our party. Truly, this has completely changed the dynamic and put Trump on the back foot.”
There’s probably a ceiling for Harris on attracting the so-called “double haters,” the one-quarter of all Americans who hold unfavorable views of both Biden and Trump. Many prognosticators, both those who support Trump and those who favor Harris, cite Trump’s volcanic personality, which lends itself to frequent exaggeration and untruths, as more a campaign hindrance than an asset.
It has often been said that New York State voters may well decide which party will control the House of Representatives next January. Hudson Valley Republicans are supporting Mike Lawler and Marc Molinaro for the congressional seats they presently occupy, while Democats are backing Pat Ryan and ex-Westchester county executive George Latimer for two other seats in the region. All but the Latimer district are likely to be very close contests.
Holland-Shepler believes that Ryan. like Harris, will also help other Democrats in November.
“Congressman Ryan is not someone who needs to coast on anyone’s coattails,” he said. “I’m pretty sure that, in general, Kamala will help our candidates — but particularly with the past race I believe Ryan actually is going to have coattails that will bring other Democrats with him.”
Join the family! 
