The one big thing driving some Republicans to back Harris
Oct 22, 2024
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Sahil Kapur, a Senior national political reporter with NBC, shares insights on Kamala Harris's innovative campaign strategy that targets undecided voters by leveraging support from former Republicans like Liz Cheney. He discusses her appeal to educated suburban voters, revealing surprising polling improvements. The conversation also touches on the complex relationship between Texas politicians and undocumented workers in the construction industry. Additionally, issues such as Florida's insurance struggles following storms and rising infant mortality rates post-Roe are highlighted.
Kamala Harris is collaborating with Republicans like Liz Cheney to strengthen her appeal among disillusioned suburban voters in critical states.
Texas's border crisis highlights the paradox of political rhetoric clashing with economic reliance on undocumented workers in essential industries.
Deep dives
Kamala Harris's Strategic Alliances
Vice President Kamala Harris is leveraging unusual partnerships with Republicans to appeal to disillusioned voters in battleground states. During campaign stops in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, she collaborated with former Representative Liz Cheney, focusing on themes of democracy preservation and bipartisanship. Cheney's candid discussions about the impact of the January 6th Capitol attack highlight the shifting political landscape, as she encourages fellow Republicans to reconsider their alliance with Donald Trump. Polling data suggests that Harris's outreach may be resonating with educated suburban voters, as she currently performs better than Joe Biden did in 2020 among this demographic.
The Border Crisis and Labor Dependency
The Texas border crisis reveals a complex relationship between lawmaking and the labor market, notably regarding undocumented immigrants. Despite the significant investment in border security initiatives like Operation Lone Star, lawmakers are hesitant to pass measures that would deter undocumented workers from filling crucial economic roles. The state's economy heavily relies on these workers, particularly in the construction industry, which has enabled Texas to avoid severe housing shortages. This has created a paradox where political rhetoric around immigration does not align with the economic necessity of these workers, a reality that some policymakers prefer to ignore.
Florida's Unique Insurance Landscape
Florida's home insurance market functions under a distinct set of challenges, particularly in the wake of catastrophic hurricanes. Following the absence of major insurers since Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the state created an insurer of last resort and a catastrophe fund to manage claims. Unfortunately, recent disasters have strained these resources, leading to concerns that residents may face rising costs across various insurance types if funds are depleted. The combination of soaring premiums and the influx of new developments in high-risk areas may drive long-time residents out, while simultaneously escalating the costs associated with Florida's increasingly unstable weather.
On today’s show: NBC’s Sahil Kapur reports on how the Harris campaign is using Republican supporters to reach undecided voters.
Jack Herrera reports for Texas Monthly on why the border crisis won’t be solved at the border.
Wall Street Journal reporter Heather Gillers explores how storms are testing Florida’s home-insurance market. The Journal also looks at why Florida continues to allow new properties to be built in high-risk areas.
Plus: CNN looks at research that found hundreds more infants died than expected in the U.S. after Roe v. Wade was overturned, an election-law expert told NPR Elon Musk’s cash giveaway to voters is illegal, and ESPN says that WNBA players want their salaries to reflect the league’s successful year.
Today’s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.
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