Trump Allies Launch $45 Million Ground Game to Counter Harris’ Rising Momentum

As the race for the 2024 presidential election heats up, allies of Donald Trump are mobilizing a formidable ground game, seeking to counter rising enthusiasm for Vice President Kamala Harris. A newly formed super PAC, Turnout for America, is set to launch a $45 million effort aimed specifically at swing-state voters. Spearheaded by Christopher Buskirk, a close ally of Ohio Senator JD Vance, this initiative is being positioned as a crucial component of Trump's strategy to reclaim the White House. In a memo circulated to potential donors, Buskirk outlined the ambitions of Turnout for America, asserting that the organization has already trained 945 canvassers who are prepared to hit the ground running in seven key battleground states. The super PAC is actively working to finalize an agreement for data sharing and voter mobilization coordination with Trump's campaign, showcasing a strategic partnership that highlights a shift in campaign dynamics. The urgency of this effort is underscored by the recent surge in momentum behind Harris' campaign following President Biden's abrupt exit from the race. With a reported fundraising haul exceeding $200 million and the recruitment of 170,000 new volunteers, Harris has positioned herself to capitalize on a wave of Democratic support. Her campaign's declaration of an offensive strategy in traditionally competitive states—such as Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina—has prompted Republican strategists to bolster their ground operations. Turnout for America aims to mirror Harris' approach, using an innovative artificial intelligence tool designed to optimize canvassing efforts. This technology will allow the super PAC to track performance data in real-time and provide individualized suggestions to canvassers, enhancing the effectiveness of their outreach. The focus will be on mobilizing low- and mid-propensity voters, a demographic that could prove pivotal in increasingly polarized electoral landscapes. Interestingly, the super PAC is making a strategic decision to limit its focus to ground operations, steering clear of traditional paid media campaigns. This aligns with recent guidance from the Federal Election Commission, which permits outside organizations to coordinate field efforts with campaigns without crossing legal boundaries related to advertising. Other pro-Trump ventures, including America PAC co-founded by tech titan Elon Musk, are also emerging, indicating a robust push from the Republican base to reclaim lost ground. Despite the challenges posed by Harris' growing influence, Buskirk’s memo reflects confidence in the strategic underpinning of their campaign. "Our mission is simply to execute on the president's ground game plan," he stated, emphasizing their commitment to grassroots mobilization rather than competing in the media sphere. As the race continues to evolve, the dynamics between the two campaigns will be crucial. With the stakes higher than ever, both sides are gearing up for a battle that could define the political landscape for years to come. The next few months will be pivotal as these organizations implement their plans, and the effectiveness of their mobilization efforts will soon become clear.