Vice President Kamala Harris confirmed her campaign has established comprehensive contingency plans if former President Donald Trump attempts to declare victory prematurely in the November 2024 election. In a recent interview, she addressed the Democratic party’s preparedness for various election night scenarios: “We have the resources and the expertise and the focus” to challenge any attempt by Trump to subvert the election,” Harris stated.
The preparation comes amid concerns from election experts about the potential for a “red mirage” phenomenon, where Republicans might appear to lead on election night due to in-person votes being counted quickly. At the same time, mail-in and early-voting ballots require additional days for tabulation. This scenario played out during the 2020 election, leading to confusion and contested results in several states.
Harris stressed that the upcoming election is a pivotal moment for the country, shaping its direction for years. She also pointed out that Trump continues to reject the results of the 2020 election, refusing to accept what voters decided.
The campaign’s legal team draws on lessons from the 2000 and 2020 elections, particularly in battleground states where close results might trigger legal challenges. Their strategy includes “closing gaps” to ensure the race isn’t close enough for a legal challenge in a single state to affect the overall outcome. The team actively monitors state-level election law changes and prepares responses to potential legal challenges in key swing states.
Harris acknowledged Trump’s history of contesting election results, pointing to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election and the subsequent January 6th Capitol attack. Despite these challenges, she expressed confidence in her team’s ability to handle various scenarios while maintaining their focus on winning the election.
The Vice President addressed questions about potential pardons for Trump if he were convicted of federal charges, declined to speculate, and stated that she is concentrated on the immediate campaign period. Her team is particularly focused on voter education and ensuring supporters understand the importance of following proper voting procedures to minimize potential challenges.
Regarding gender and race in the election, Harris stated firmly that she believes voters should choose leaders based on their substance and ability to address challenges rather than demographic factors. “I will never assume that anyone in this country should elect their leaders based on their gender or race,” Harris said, emphasizing the importance of earning votes based on substantive policies and leadership abilities.
Harris defended President Joe Biden’s capabilities and fitness for office while emphasizing the importance of bringing the country together. She indicated openness to bipartisan cooperation, including the possibility of appointing former Republican Representative Liz Cheney to her administration, demonstrating a commitment to cross-party collaboration.
The campaign has also established a rapid response team specifically dedicated to addressing election-related misinformation and coordinating with state election officials to ensure accurate information reaches voters quickly. This team will work closely with legal experts and election observers throughout the voting period.