**Harris Leans on Anti-Trump Republicans to Sway Undecided Voters**

In a strategic move to attract undecided voters, Vice President Kamala Harris is featuring prominent anti-Trump Republicans in her campaign ads. Last week, Harris' campaign underscored this strategy by highlighting former Trump advisers such as former defense secretary Mark T. Esper, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Gen. Mark A. Milley, and former national security adviser John Bolton—all of whom, though not endorsing Harris, have publicly opposed another Trump presidency.

According to AdImpact tracking data, between October 7 and 17, some of Harris’ most heavily funded advertisements spotlighted these Republican voices warning against the dangers of reelecting Trump. This messaging angle has outpaced spending on other significant topics such as abortion, Harris' biography, and economic policies.

At a rally in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Harris emphasized the credibility of her sources, urging voters to "heed this warning" about Trump, articulated by his former advisers. This tactic mirrors previous Democratic campaigns, such as Hillary Clinton’s 2016 efforts and Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign, which both utilized criticisms of Trump's character. Recent research by Blueprint, a Democratic polling firm, supports the efficacy of using Republican criticisms, with findings indicating that these messages resonate more with voters than direct attacks from Democrats.

“The Republican critique of Trump is the most effective message we’ve tested,” said Evan Roth Smith, lead pollster for Blueprint. This approach has also been validated by internal polling and focus groups conducted by Harris's campaign, identifying it as one of their top three strategic messages alongside economic and abortion issues.

The ads not only include high-profile figures like Milley and Pence but also plan to feature campaigns with figures like former representatives Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, along with conservative radio host Charlie Sykes, in key battleground suburban areas. Additionally, Trump's former press secretary, Stephanie Grisham, and former spokeswoman Sarah Matthews have joined Harris’s efforts, arguing against Trump's re-election based on their first-hand experiences.

However, some of Trump’s former advisers, despite voicing their reservations about his suitability for office, have remained neutral in the contest. For example, former chief of staff John F. Kelly has publicly criticized Trump but expressed frustration over the limited impact of his statements.

In response, Trump’s campaign has diversified its advertising strategy. The ads focus on various issues, including economic topics and attacks on Harris's previous positions on natural gas fracking and transgender rights, to paint her as disconnected from voters' priorities.

As the election draws closer, the effectiveness of these divergent strategies could be pivotal. With the race currently deadlocked in key battleground states, both campaigns are banking on every possible advantage to tip the scales.