In a notable transatlantic collaboration, strategists associated with the UK Labour Party have been sharing their expertise with Kamala Harris's presidential campaign team. This exchange of ideas comes in the wake of Labour's significant electoral success in July 2024, led by Keir Starmer.
The collaboration focuses on strategies to appeal to disaffected voters and run an effective center-left campaign. While Starmer did not meet with Harris during his recent White House visit, two of his former top advisers were in Washington, briefing Democratic strategists and pollsters from the Harris campaign.
The Labour Party, founded in 1900, has a rich history as one of the UK's major political parties. Their recent victory, securing 63% of parliamentary seats with only 34% of the vote share, has attracted attention from Democratic strategists seeking to replicate this success in the US political landscape.
Key to Labour's strategy was the concept of "hero voters" - individuals who had previously supported Brexit and the Conservative Party but were won back through targeted messaging on economic issues. Deborah Mattinson and Claire Ainsley, former Labour advisers, have identified a similar demographic in the US electorate.
"They don't love Trump, but they do believe he is offering change. They are open to Harris, but they want to see more of what her offer for them might be."
The Harris campaign has already adopted messaging similar to Starmer's, emphasizing her background as a prosecutor and focusing on economic issues. Both campaigns have used slogans centered on ending chaos and rebuilding, reflecting a desire for change among voters.
However, it's crucial to note the significant differences between the UK and US political systems. The UK uses a first-past-the-post voting system for its 650-seat Parliament, while the US relies on the Electoral College for presidential elections. Campaign spending also differs dramatically, with UK parties limited to around £34 million, while US campaigns often involve billions of dollars.
Despite these differences, the exchange of ideas between Labour and Democratic strategists is not new. Historically, American consultants have often advised Labour, including notable figures like Stan Greenberg and David Axelrod.
As the US presidential race intensifies, with the recent Harris-Trump debate on September 10, 2024, it remains to be seen how these British insights will influence the Harris campaign's strategy in the coming months.