GOP’s New Plan To Derail Kamala’s Run
As Republicans strategize for the upcoming November election, they are keenly focusing on Vice President Kamala Harris and her association with the Biden administration’s proposed menthol cigarette ban. This issue is being used to sway black voters in pivotal battleground states, given the current boost in Harris’s national polling.
Harris’s recent rise in popularity among Democrats has prompted Republicans to target specific policies that may not resonate well with key voter groups. Among these is the contentious proposal to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars—a move that has faced repeated delays from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to political resistance.
Recent polling data shared with the Washington Examiner reveals that although Harris currently leads former President Donald Trump among black voters in crucial states like Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, and Wisconsin, her support significantly declines if she backs the menthol ban. The Tyson Group’s survey indicates that support for Harris among black voters drops by 23% in Michigan, 13% in North Carolina, 10% in Georgia, and 9% in Wisconsin if she supports the proposed ban.
Despite Harris’s recent efforts to invigorate the Democratic base, her stance on the menthol ban remains unclear. The Washington Examiner reached out to her campaign for comment but received no response. Republican strategists see this uncertainty as a tactical opportunity to challenge her candidacy. According to Ryan Tyson, CEO of the Tyson Group, emphasizing Harris’s support for the menthol ban could effectively erode her support among black voters, thereby diminishing her overall appeal.
GOP campaign advisers are already gearing up to make this a significant issue in their ads and messaging. One strategist mentioned that the proposed ban is seen as a “key issue” to target not only Harris but also Senate and House Democrats. Another campaign manager noted that Harris’s potential loss of 23% of African American voters in Michigan could have broader implications for Democratic candidates across various races.
Groups like Building America’s Future and Americans for Consumer Protection are investing $10 million to highlight this issue to black voters in critical states. Even if the menthol ban does not jeopardize Harris’s presidential bid, Republicans are prepared to scrutinize her record with hearings and oversight should they gain control of the Senate.
The FDA first proposed the menthol cigarette ban in the spring of 2021, but implementation has been stalled due to political pushback. Opponents argue that the ban could negatively impact the economy and disproportionately affect certain communities. Civil rights leaders like the Rev. Al Sharpton have criticized the ban, suggesting it could lead to increased police scrutiny of black communities, though critics point out that Sharpton has received donations from tobacco industry groups.
As the debate over the menthol ban continues, it is clear that Republicans view it as a strategic tool to weaken Harris’s support and sway key voter blocs in the upcoming election.
