Staff Reports
The Democrats had high hopes for Vice President Kamala Harris to make waves in Texas, an ambition buoyed by the state’s shifting demographics and a few wishful thinking sessions. However, reality has decided to slap them with a big ol’ Texas-sized dose of cold water, as a recent poll reveals that former President Donald Trump enjoys a comfortable lead over Harris in the Lone Star State. This isn’t just a friendly tip for Democrats to temper their enthusiasm; it’s more akin to a blunt force trauma to their ambitions.
According to a survey from Emerson College, Trump is leading Harris 50.9% to 45.6%. To make matters worse for the Democrats, Trump not only leads in overall percentage but also boasts a favorability rating that hovers just above water. With 50.1% of voters viewing him positively, it seems that the former president still retains his charm—even if just barely. On the flip side, Harris is seen less favorably by a majority of Texans, receiving a thumbs down from 53.6% of respondents. It could be argued that a favorable view of Harris is as rare as a cow wearing a sombrero at a Texas rodeo.
Kamala Harris's entry into the presidential race cut Donald Trump's lead in Texas nearly in half, according to some of the first public polling in the state since President Joe Biden dropped out last month.https://t.co/JglGwsGtL8 pic.twitter.com/EyPs4N3D7n
— Houston Chronicle (@HoustonChron) August 25, 2024
Texas has always been a key battleground, but Democrats may be getting a little overzealous thinking they can flip it completely blue. While both Harris and Trump have been busy jawing about other battleground states like Arizona and Georgia, the Lone Star State remains stubbornly red, despite any strategic grumbling from Team Blue. Recent history shows that while Trump’s margin of victory did shrink in the 2020 election when compared to 2016, he still managed to keep the state firmly in Republican hands.
In the realm of Senate races, Democrats are desperately gunning for Sen. Ted Cruz’s seat, but even here, they’re running into a brick wall. In another poll, Cruz leads Rep. Collin Allred by 48.9% to 44.9%. In true dirty-laundry style, the Democrats seem to be banking on Texas and Florida races while the competition heats up in places like Montana. Wishful thinking doesn’t get you very far when the political winds blow against you.
With the Cook Political Report rating the presidential race in Texas as “likely Republican,” one has to wonder just how long Democrats plan to throw money at their dream of a blue Texas. The Lone Star State appears to be laughing all the way to the ballot box and, for the Democrats, it looks like they may need to return to the drawing board—or maybe just a Texas barbecue, where they can drown their political sorrows in some good ol’ brisket.
