Gov. Cooper backs Harris in crucial North Carolina race

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper expressed strong support for Vice President Kamala Harris, stating her chances in the battleground state are 'excellent' following her recent debate performance. Cooper highlighted that Harris is gaining momentum, particularly among young voters and voters of color, which could be pivotal in a state that has not voted for a Democrat in a presidential race since 2008. He noted that the recent ABC News debate allowed many voters to become more familiar with Harris, which is crucial as a significant portion of likely voters still feel they need to learn more about her. The political landscape in North Carolina is further complicated by the upcoming gubernatorial race, where Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein is competing against Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. Cooper described Robinson as an 'extreme right-wing candidate' whose controversial views could mobilize voters against him, thereby benefiting Harris. The governor believes that the dynamics of the gubernatorial race will create a bottom-up effect, encouraging voters to come out in support of Harris as they vote against Robinson. Polling data indicates that Harris has gained traction since the debate, with a majority of debate watchers favoring her performance over Trump's. This shift in perception could be critical in a state that narrowly went to Trump in 2020. The combination of Harris' debate success and the competitive gubernatorial race may provide the necessary boost for Democrats in North Carolina, a state that is currently viewed as a toss-up. As the election approaches, the focus will be on how these factors influence voter turnout and sentiment. With Cooper's backing and the heightened interest in the gubernatorial race, Harris' campaign may find the support it needs to challenge the Republican stronghold in North Carolina effectively.