As the countdown to the election intensifies, it appears that Donald Trump’s campaign is grappling with significant challenges that could hinder their get-out-the-vote efforts.
Recent revelations point to both the outsourcing of their ground game and the malfunctioning app they rely on, which could have far-reaching consequences in crucial battleground states.
Dave Ehrenberg, the state attorney for Palm Beach County, has been vocal about the stark contrast between Kamala Harris’s robust ground game and Trump’s outsourced strategy.
While Harris’s campaign has poured resources into mobilizing voters across swing states, Trump’s team has handed over this critical task to groups like Turning Point Action, led by Charlie Kirk.
This decision raises questions about the effectiveness of relying on controversial figures rather than seasoned political strategists.
In political campaigns, getting voters to the polls is an art and a science.
Ehrenberg emphasizes that merely having loud voices on television doesn’t equate to a well-orchestrated ground game.
The Trump campaign’s reliance on radical advocates rather than skilled operatives may be a misstep that could cost them dearly as Election Day nears.
Adding fuel to the fire, The Guardian reported that the app used by Trump’s campaign is facing serious issues.
Canvassers, tasked with identifying and reaching out to potential voters, are struggling due to the app’s heavy reliance on fast internet connections.
Without reliable service, these workers find themselves hampered in their efforts to connect with key demographics in battleground areas.
The situation is particularly dire for those canvassing in rural regions, where internet connectivity can be spotty at best.
The app, known as Campaign Sidekick, requires substantial bandwidth—enough to stream high-definition video—making it nearly impossible for canvassers in less connected areas to perform their duties efficiently.
As a result, they often resort to using offline methods that lack essential tracking capabilities.
This technological shortcoming not only complicates voter outreach but also raises concerns about accountability.
With limited oversight, there’s a risk that canvassers may cut corners, potentially undermining the integrity of the campaign’s efforts.
Ehrenberg notes that the Trump campaign is aware of these issues, with insiders expressing frustration about the app’s reliability.
In a bid to mitigate these problems, America PAC has dispatched auditors to monitor canvassers, but Ehrenberg points out the inherent distrust in such arrangements.
When volunteers and paid workers feel scrutinized, it can lead to a lack of motivation and commitment to the campaign’s goals.
Moreover, the complaints regarding Campaign Sidekick are not isolated.
Other super PACs supporting Trump have abandoned the app due to its persistent glitches, especially during peak usage hours.
Even Kirk’s organization has opted to utilize its own app in certain states, indicating a lack of confidence in the tools provided by the Trump campaign.
The reluctance to adopt alternative platforms stems from a deep-seated mistrust of the Koch brothers, who have historically opposed Trump.
This aversion has led to a situation where the campaign sticks with a flawed app rather than exploring potentially more effective options.
Such stubbornness could prove detrimental as the election draws closer.
Interestingly, the Trump campaign has also shunned successful strategies employed by rivals.
For instance, Ron DeSantis’s campaign utilized a different app that, despite its failures, demonstrated a more comprehensive approach to voter mobilization.
The refusal to learn from past mistakes or rival tactics may further isolate Trump’s campaign in a rapidly changing political landscape.
While no campaign is without its challenges, Ehrenberg argues that the Trump campaign seems to be facing unique hurdles that could impact their performance in the election.
With early voting trends favoring Democrats, the stakes are higher than ever.
Voter turnout on Election Day alone may not suffice if the groundwork isn’t laid beforehand.
As Election Day approaches, every misstep could be magnified.
The importance of a solid ground game cannot be overstated, especially in a closely contested race.
The focus on early voting and effective outreach is paramount, and if Trump’s campaign fails to adapt, they might find themselves at a significant disadvantage when the votes are counted.
