This week, Vice President Kamala Harris made waves with her visit to Dottie’s Market in Savannah, Georgia, bringing to mind JD Vance’s less-than-stellar trip to a donut shop in the same state. Vance’s interactions at Holt’s Sweet Shop in Valdosta were criticized for their awkwardness, especially when staff expressed discomfort with being filmed.
Harris, on the other hand, showcased a more engaging approach as she mingled with the staff and bought food for local activists, aiming to energize her campaign in this critical swing state.
Georgia is pivotal for both campaigns: Harris seeks to replicate President Joe Biden’s 2020 triumph, while former President Donald Trump aims to reclaim his 2016 victory. One social media observer quipped, “Honestly, there are worse strategies than just filming yourself doing the exact same stuff JD Vance has done but normal.” Another chimed in with relief, praising Harris’s ability to “order dessert without making it weird.”
In response to a predictable voter fatigue over Biden’s age, Harris’ campaign has increasingly opted for relatable videos to galvanize support. A viewer commented on the refreshing modern strategy, noting it was a clever adaptation based on social media feedback.
Her campaign definitely got the idea from this tweet, it’s honestly refreshing to see a campaign use modern marketing tactics. https://t.co/NxcCFNnjWY
— LePinkprint (@LePinkprint) August 30, 2024
Adding to the dialogue, Vice presidential nominee Walz also stopped by a Nebraska restaurant shortly after Vance’s donut shop foray, leading to similar comparisons regarding the awkwardness of his visit.
Vance later expressed regret about his interaction, explaining during an NBC interview that he “felt terrible” for the staff member caught off guard by the cameras and security detail. “We walked in, and there’s 20 Secret Service agents, and there’s 15 cameras,” he recalled, noting her visible distress.
Despite facing criticism, Vance’s campaign continues, though polls show mixed results. As of Thursday, FiveThirtyEight reported Vance’s unfavorable rating at 43.2%, while he held a favorable opinion of just 33.2%. Vance, however, has dismissed these polls as misleading.