Harris leaned on Republicans for her campaign. Was it a good strategy?

As she was approaching the final days of the Presidential campaign, Vice President Harris hosted three events with former conservative House Representative Liz Cheney.

The pair seem odd, with opposing political views on almost every issue. However, Ms. Cheney endorsed Vice President Harris in September and urged Republicans to vote for her.

Many anti-Trump GOP officials have supported Ms. Harris. Two hundred signed an open letter, and others spoke at the Democratic National Convention. Ms. Cheney was absent in both efforts.

Liz Cheney is arguably the highest-profile Republican campaigning against Donald Trump. According to the NY Times, the Harris campaign contacted her several times, looking for an endorsement.

With those efforts, Ms. Harris expected to win the support of Republican voters who are disillusioned with Mr. Trump or moderates who are unsure about whom to choose.

The candidate has spoken about crime control and drugs when discussing border issues; she has leaned on Republicans to speak of the threats of a new Trump presidency.

When Ms. Harris gave her first lengthy interview as the Democratic presidential nominee, she told CNN's Dana Bash that she would be open to adding a Republican to her cabinet.

Image: CNN

All those efforts worked. According to the NY Times, it was easier for Ms. Cheney to endorse Vice President Harris after the DNC's generally moderate tone.

Most speeches at the DNC, including those from Democrats, were soft on issues, and many Republicans and Democrats asked moderates to avoid Mr. Trump's authoritarian intentions.

However, the strategy that attracts moderate and disillusioned Republicans could also alienate some of the more progressive Democratic bases.

Activists and grassroots organizers told NPR they would still vote for the Vice President, but some said they find her statements hard to swallow and wish she discussed issues like the economy more.

The war in the Middle East is also ripping progressive votes from the Democratic ticket. Activists in the Michigan Arab community told the BBC that they were pushing their circle to vote for Donald Trump to punish Democrats.