In a recent interview on CBS's "Face the Nation," North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper expressed his belief that if Vice President Kamala Harris were to win his state, she would become the next President of the United States. The governor highlighted the significance of Harris' multiple visits to North Carolina and her evident care for the state, emphasizing her potential to sway voters and win the crucial 16 electoral votes that have long eluded Democrats.

Cooper acknowledged that North Carolina has always been a closely contested state, with the Biden-Harris ticket suffering a narrow 1.3% defeat in the 2020 election. He pointed out that Harris' extensive 17 visits to the state displayed her commitment to understanding and addressing the concerns of North Carolinians.

The Democratic Party has a renewed sense of optimism in North Carolina, with the state's history of electing Democratic governors and Governor Cooper's successes serving as sources of encouragement. However, Cooper himself will not be seeking reelection, leaving the Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein to face off against Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson in the upcoming election.

Recent polling by The New York Times/Siena indicates a favorable lead for Stein over Robinson, with a 10-point advantage. The Democrats hope that Robinson's allegedly inflammatory rhetoric will aid them in winning various races. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report has also shifted North Carolina from "lean Republican" to a "toss-up" race, highlighting the overall competitiveness in the state.

According to Jessica Taylor, the editor for The Cook Political Report, it was Harris who transformed North Carolina into a battleground with her visits and message. The polls have reflected shifts in enthusiasm among Black voters and younger demographics, resulting in a highly contested race for the state.

The Cook Political Report survey conducted in late July and early August revealed that Harris had a slight lead of one point over former President Donald Trump, with 48% to 47%. This marked a significant change from the May report where Trump had a seven-point lead over President Joe Biden, with 41% to 48%.

With the first Harris-Trump debate approaching, recent CBS polling indicates tight races in three key battleground states: Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The economy remains a critical issue for voters in these states as they approach the upcoming election.

Governor Cooper outlined Harris' economic agenda as a key factor that will resonate with North Carolinians. He praised her plan to lower costs, particularly in the areas of childcare and drug pricing. Cooper expressed optimism that North Carolinians would respond positively to Harris' economic proposals.

Following the Tuesday debate, Vice President Harris is scheduled to return to North Carolina on Thursday for a campaign event, marking the beginning of a battleground tour. The state will also see visits from Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff and the First Lady of Minnesota, Gwen Walz, as they embark on a bus tour aimed at reaching voters across North Carolina.

Governor Cooper believes that as North Carolinians become more acquainted with Harris' message and proposals, her support in the state will continue to grow. He emphasized that Harris' economic plan, which focuses on lowering costs for everyday people and protecting women's reproductive rights, will resonate strongly with voters.

When asked about the possibility of serving as attorney general in a Harris-Walz administration, Cooper left the door open, stating, "we'll see." The governor and Vice President Harris share a history since their time serving as attorneys general in their respective states.

As the race for North Carolina intensifies, Vice President Harris' presence in the state and her economic proposals have garnered attention and support. With only a narrow margin of victory required, both parties recognize the importance of capturing North Carolina's 16 electoral votes in the upcoming elections.