Josh Siegel, an energy reporter for POLITICO, talks with Camila Thorndike, the new climate engagement director for Kamala Harris' campaign. They discuss Thorndike's strategy to rally young voters around climate issues just weeks before the election. The conversation highlights how recent hurricanes have raised awareness about climate change and the contrasting policies of the current and previous administrations. Additionally, they delve into campaign tactics in battleground states and the federal push for nuclear energy as part of the clean energy transition.
Kamala Harris's campaign, under climate engagement director Kamiya Thorndike, is focusing on mobilizing climate-conscious voters in battleground states.
The campaign emphasizes local clean energy opportunities to connect directly with voters' lives, particularly targeting students motivated by climate issues.
Deep dives
Kamala Harris's Climate Engagement Strategy
Kamala Harris's campaign has appointed Kamiya Thorndike as the climate engagement director, emphasizing the importance of mobilizing climate-conscious voters. Thorndike, who previously worked with Rewiring America and has experience in political roles, aims to develop messaging that resonates with climate advocates to boost voter turnout. The urgency of climate change has been underscored by recent hurricanes that have intensified public interest in climate issues, creating an opportunity for the campaign to contrast Harris's approach with that of her opponents. This strategy seeks to rally young voters and those concerned about environmental justice, showcasing Harris's commitment to climate action rather than policy alone.
Engaging Key Voter Demographics
Thorndike highlighted that the campaign is strategically focusing on battleground states, aiming to engage specific voter segments, particularly students who are increasingly motivated by climate issues. With polling indicating that a significant percentage of students are more likely to support candidates prioritizing climate change, the campaign is providing targeted messages emphasizing the benefits of clean energy initiatives and the Inflation Reduction Act. By connecting local manufacturing opportunities related to clean energy, such as battery factories in Pennsylvania, the campaign aims to illustrate direct impact on voters' lives. This tactical approach in the closing weeks of the election is designed to maximize base turnout while appealing to undecided voters through relevant climate narratives.
Camila Thorndike joined Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign last month as its climate engagement director. Today, POLITICO’s Josh Siegel discusses his recent conversation with Thorndike, her new role and background, and how Harris is mobilizing voters with only a couple weeks left before the election. Plus, the Energy Department is opening up $900 million in funding to deploy small modular reactors across the U.S.