Following a series of critical reports by MSNBC on the Trump campaign’s voter mobilization efforts, a discussion unfolded between Hugo Lowell, senior political correspondent at The Guardian, Dave Bratt, and Liz Harrington, who is a former spokeswoman for President Trump and a contributor to WarRoom.org. The conversation centered on the Trump campaign’s ground game in battleground states and its challenges compared to the Biden-Harris campaign. Both Lowell and Harrington identified several key weaknesses in the Trump campaign’s voter outreach but also pointed out potential solutions to overcome these challenges.

CONCERNS GROW OVER TRUMP’S GROUND GAME

Lowell, who has closely followed the Trump campaign, highlighted a significant disparity in the number of staffers on the ground. In battleground states like Pennsylvania, the Trump campaign has reportedly only 50 staffers, while the Biden-Harris campaign boasts over 375. "The Trump campaign’s formal presence is much lower than the opposition,” said Lowell, reflecting a broader issue of under-resourcing at a critical time. This late start to the ground game, combined with a reliance on super PACs for voter outreach, poses a major challenge for the campaign.

Lowell noted that while super PACs play a crucial role in canvassing and door-knocking, the recruitment of canvassers began late. As a result, the quality of volunteers was not as high as in previous election cycles. "The best talent has already been recruited by other campaigns,” said Lowell. This delay in organizing voter mobilization efforts could cost Trump’s campaign valuable voter contacts, as studies show that repeated contact with voters increases the likelihood they will turn out on Election Day.

SOLUTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PEOPLE WILLING TO MOBILIZE

Harrington, however, saw an opportunity amid the challenges. She acknowledged the need for stronger voter mobilization efforts but emphasized Trump’s unique appeal to key voter groups, particularly low-propensity voters. "President Trump is appealing to every American because he’s lived through persecution and delivered results,” Harrington said. She argued that low-propensity voters—those who support Trump but rarely vote—are critical to the campaign’s success. This includes young white male voters, a demographic that saw a drop in turnout in 2020 but was pivotal to Trump’s victory in 2016.

To fix the weaknesses in Trump’s campaign, both Harrington and Lowell pointed to solutions that could turn the tide. First, there must be a more aggressive and targeted approach to voter outreach. Rather than focusing on suburban areas where large numbers of doors can be knocked quickly, the campaign should prioritize rural areas and communities that have been historically ignored. This would allow Trump’s campaign to reach voters who are more likely to support him but have not been contacted.

Second, the campaign needs to intensify efforts in recruiting better canvassing talent. While super PACs have helped bridge some gaps, the late start means that those hired are often on short-term contracts and may lack the experience needed to make a lasting impact. Bringing in seasoned canvassers and training new recruits more effectively could ensure that each voter contact is meaningful and persuasive. As Lowell explained, "It takes more than one visit to get someone to return a ballot.” A more robust and well-trained ground team would help secure crucial votes in key states.

Third, the campaign should focus on issues that resonate most with low-propensity voters. According to Lowell, these voters are less engaged in traditional political discourse but are concerned about issues like the economy, immigration, and the cost of living. By tailoring the message to address these concerns directly, the campaign could motivate these voters to turn out in greater numbers. Harrington reinforced this point, arguing that Trump’s populist message still resonates strongly with these voters and that the campaign should continue to emphasize his track record and promises for the future.

Finally, both Harrington and Lowell stressed the importance of election integrity. Harrington argued that ensuring a fair and transparent election is crucial for energizing the base and securing victory.

"We have to ensure it’s fair, and that’s what I’m really focused on,” she said.

In conclusion, while the Trump campaign faces significant challenges in voter mobilization, the weaknesses identified by MSNBC and discussed by Lowell and Harrington are not insurmountable. By ramping up voter outreach efforts, recruiting better canvassing talent, focusing on key issues, and ensuring election integrity, the campaign can address these shortcomings and increase its chances of success in 2024.

For more context, watch the full interview featuring Liz Harrington, Hogo Lowell and Dave Bratt on Wednesday’s WarRoom:

Hugo Lowell Gives Wake-Up Call To MAGA About “Presence Issue” In Must-Win Battleground States