In a recent revelation, Chauncey McLean, the president of Future Forward—a prominent Super PAC supporting Vice President Kamala Harris—voiced concerns over the optimism reflected in public polling data. During an event linked to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, McLean warned that the internal numbers for the Harris campaign are significantly less favorable than what public polls indicate. He stated, “Our numbers are much less rosy than what you’re seeing in the public,” signaling potential challenges for the Harris campaign as the 2024 election approaches.
While public polls have shown Harris gaining ground, particularly after President Biden’s withdrawal from the race, McLean’s comments suggest a much tighter race in several key battleground states. Currently, Harris leads former President Donald Trump by a narrow margin, with a FiveThirtyEight poll average showing her at 46.6% compared to Trump’s 43.8%. However, McLean emphasized that this lead might be misleading, as internal polling suggests a "tight as a tick" contest, especially in crucial states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina, where the outcome remains uncertain.
I concur with @RepJamesClyburn.
Ohio must be in play this presidential election cycle
The largest Harris Super PAC is spending millions on this ad airing during the #OlympicGames in Ohio's largest media markets
Plus, OH went for Obama @ JD Vance just isn't that popular https://t.co/gA8DOq49S4 pic.twitter.com/fCwX9mYNv5
— 𝙻𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚢 𝚃𝚎𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚢 🟧🟦🗣#GoodTrouble (@LarryTenney) August 11, 2024
McLean's remarks come at a critical juncture as Harris prepares to intensify her campaign efforts. Future Forward, which has raised hundreds of millions of dollars to support Harris, plans to launch an extensive advertising blitz across multiple media platforms in the coming weeks. The super PAC's strategy includes deploying a mix of digital and television ads to bolster Harris’s standing in the remaining months before Election Day.
McLean revealed that despite the apparent momentum, the campaign still faces significant hurdles, particularly in mobilizing key voter demographics such as young voters, Blacks, and Hispanics—groups that were crucial to Biden's success in 2020.
Anita Dunn is working on efforts that coordinate with the Kamala Harris campaign
Anita Dunn is senior adviser to Super Pac
Future Forward, and Future Forward USA Action
To support Kamala Harris…Here is Anita Dunn Glorifying Mao pic.twitter.com/Dw9MAIkZn9
— Lawyerforlaws (@lawyer4laws) August 17, 2024
The insights from Future Forward’s internal polling highlight the volatility of the current electoral landscape. Despite Harris's apparent lead in public surveys, McLean’s cautious tone underscores the potential for unexpected shifts as the campaign progresses.
His warning also points to the possibility of Democrats facing tighter races in several states that were previously considered safe or leaning Democratic. This contrasts sharply with the more optimistic narratives being circulated in public forums and underscores the importance of not becoming complacent.
Moreover, the Harris campaign's strategy reflects the complexities of navigating an election where public perception and internal data may not always align. McLean’s statements suggest that while Harris is making inroads, particularly among young voters of color, the path to victory remains fraught with uncertainty. This revelation could serve as a wake-up call for the Harris campaign to double down on efforts to secure critical states and voter blocs that are essential for a win in November.
As the election draws nearer, McLean's disclosure serves as a reminder that public polls might not tell the whole story, and the race for the White House could be far more competitive than it currently appears. The Future Forward super PAC's continued focus on strategic, data-driven campaigning will be crucial as Harris seeks to maintain and expand her lead in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential race.
