Booker's critical test? Languishing campaign plots rebound

[brooklynite]

AP News

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — The news of Kamala Harris’ sudden departure from the presidential race came during an all-staff conference call led from Cory Booker’s campaign headquarters in Newark, the New Jersey city that he led for seven years and that propelled him to national fame. Within hours, Booker dictated a message calling Harris “my friend and my sister,” and a directive was issued to show her team respect at a difficult moment.

The campaign also scheduled a high-profile speech in Iowa.

Booker’s aides have been careful to emphasize that the New Jersey senator isn’t looking to capitalize on the collapse of his Senate colleague’s White House bid. But they’re also aware that for a campaign languishing in the polls, this may be one of their last opportunities to turn things around.

“We have all the kindling on the fire. All it takes is one match, and I think we will take off,” Booker campaign manager Addisu Demissie said in an interview with The Associated Press.

They hope that Thursday’s speech in Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city, could be the spark. With less than two months before the Iowa caucuses open the Democratic contest, Booker plans to talk about what Harris’ departure means for the party. He’s also expected to argue that he’s best positioned to take on President Donald Trump because he can rebuild the multiracial coalition that twice elected Barack Obama, a theme Harris hit last month during what would be her final debate performance.