Jim Messina, the former White House deputy chief of staff under Barack Obama, is warning that early voting numbers, typically dominated by Democrat voters, are looking “scary” for Kamala Harris.
Messina made the comments during an interview on MSNBC.
He notes that Republicans didn’t embrace the concept of early voting previously – mostly because they know how to engage in the process on a proper Election Day – but are all in currently.
“The early vote numbers are a little scary,” he told host Jen Psaki, who asked what Team Harris’s biggest concerns might be. “Republicans didn’t do what they did last time. Last time, Trump said don’t early vote so they didn’t.”
“Republicans do have an advantage in early vote numbers,” he continued. “When the early votes come in, it’s going to look a little bit different than 2020, and that’s scary.”
Jim Messina, Obama’s 2012 campaign manager says early vote numbers are scary.
If we show up we win. Show up en masse. pic.twitter.com/ci0t91a0h9
— Insurrection Barbie (@DefiyantlyFree) November 4, 2024
Early Voting Is Up For Trump
Indeed, early voting numbers have shown trends that appear more favorable for Donald Trump than previous elections. That’s because Republicans finally accepted that this is the system – ridiculous as it may be – that they have to work with.
Republican turnout for early voting has been strong, suggesting either a higher level of engagement or a strategic shift in response to past election dynamics.
And that truly must be scary for Kamala Harris.
The surge in early votes for Trump in swing states could indicate a strong voter turnout strategy or an enthusiasm gap favoring Republicans.
Over 75 million people have cast early ballots heading into Tuesday.
“Buoying the Trump campaign has been a vast improvement in early vote numbers for Republicans,” the New York Times admits.
“This year, the Trump campaign and its allies have shifted their message, pleading with their voters to cast ballots early even if they are not comfortable with the prospect,” the newspaper writes. “Across the country, and especially in Pennsylvania, the message is landing.”
The former President carrying Pennsylvania might serve as a fatal blow to the Harris campaign.
RELATED: Trump Responds After ‘Punk’ Obama Adviser Claims He Will ‘Try To Steal the Election’
Warns Trump Will ‘Steal’ The Election
Messina admitting that the early voting numbers look “scary” seems to be a bit of a pivot from his prior excuses that Trump might simply steal the election.
“Everyone’s talking about Nov. 5 and who’s going to win on Election Day. My worry is the day after,” said Messina, while also attacking our democracy by delegitimizing the Supreme Court.
“They are going to try to set up a way to steal this election to get some of these crazy cases to their favorite United States Supreme Court,” he claimed. “We know that Trump is going to try to steal this. He did last time.”
Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung fired back and suggested Messina is a “punk” and, like many in Obama’s circle, terrified that their installed candidate is losing.
Will early voting help carry Trump to victory? It should certainly open up the pool of total Republican voters. But will it also siphon away numbers from the surge he usually enjoys on Election Day?
Either way, go vote. Like your wallet and your life depend on it. Because they do.
