Inside the GOP and Democratic Ground Game in Pennsylvania and Other Swing States, with Scott Presler and David Callahan | Ep. 906
Oct 4, 2024
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Scott Presler, the Founder of Early Vote Action, joins the discussion about the GOP's innovative strategies for mobilizing voters in swing states like Pennsylvania. He highlights efforts to engage diverse demographics such as truckers and the Amish. David Callahan, founder of Blue Tent, shares insights into the Democratic ground game, comparing it to the GOP's tactics for 2024. The conversation delves into topics like ballot harvesting, shifting voter dynamics, and registration trends, revealing complexities that shape the upcoming election.
The GOP is employing innovative outreach strategies to mobilize traditionally overlooked demographics like truckers and Amish voters for the upcoming election.
Despite strong fundraising, the Democratic ground game may suffer from inefficiencies in funding distribution, impacting grassroots engagement in key voter communities.
Deep dives
Importance of Ground Game in Elections
The effectiveness of ground game strategies is crucial in determining the outcome of elections, especially in battleground states like Pennsylvania. Republicans recognize the need to improve their ground game, as recent statistics indicate that Democrats have a significant lead in early voting. With nearly one million early votes cast nationally, registered Democrats accounted for over half of these votes, while Republicans lagged behind. The emphasis on mobilizing voters through targeted outreach and registration efforts has become paramount for both parties as Election Day approaches.
Republican Strategies to Engage Voters
Republican campaigns are focusing on various demographic groups that may have previously been overlooked. Specific efforts are being made to engage truck drivers, Amish communities, and veterans, with targeted strategies to get these groups registered and ready to vote. For instance, outreach efforts include setting up voter registration tables at key locations like farmers' markets and service plazas. Additionally, the use of mail-in ballots is being promoted, particularly for those who may be unable to vote in person due to work commitments.
Democratic Fundraising and Ground Game Efficiency
The Harris-Walls campaign has successfully opened numerous field offices and mobilized thousands of staff to strengthen the Democratic ground game across key states. Despite the impressive fundraising figures, there are concerns that much of this money is not effectively distributed to grassroots organizations that engage specific voter demographics. The reliance on established campaign infrastructure over local progressive groups may weaken voter engagement among crucial communities. This aspect indicates that while the Democratic campaign has a financial edge, the efficacy of their ground game can be impacted by where and how that money is spent.
Polls and Voter Turnout as Critical Factors
Polling data reveals a highly polarized electorate, with both parties experiencing tight races in key swing states. Although current polls suggest closeness, the true measure of success will depend on voter turnout on Election Day. The Democrats’ advantage in mail-in ballots and early voting could play a significant role in determining the outcome, especially in light of past trends. As turnout efforts ramp up, it's evident that both parties must capitalize on their strengths while addressing weaknesses within their respective strategies to secure victory.
In this special episode, Megyn Kelly takes a deep dive into the ground game of the GOP and the Democrats in the key swing states ahead of the November election. She's joined by Scott Presler, Founder of Early Vote Action, to talk about the innovative strategies the GOP is employing in Pennsylvania to mobilize voters, how the Republican Party is actively courting truckers, Amish voters, and hunters, the challenge of making sure newly-registered voters actually cast a vote on Election Day, how people in blue states can help GOP get out the vote efforts in swing states, the challenges in the important state of North Carolina, and more. Then David Callahan, founder of Blue Tent, joins to discuss the details of the Democratic ground game, how it compares to what the GOP is doing now in 2024, the mystery of the GOP efforts that we won't know until Election Day, how the swap from Biden to Harris has helped registration on the left, the truth about ballot harvesting, and more.
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