Right now, whether in the train station or on a text chain, the election anxiety is palpable. And it's understandable. This race is incredibly close. The latest New York Times/Sienna poll shows a dead heat, and more importantly, seven key swing states all show Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump polling within the margin of error.
This election comes just eight years after a man who made misogyny and racism a key part of his campaign defeated our first truly viable female nominee, and just four years after Trump helped incite an insurrection on the steps of our Capitol.
But I'm not freaking out (yet). And here's why.
First of all, I think late deciders are breaking for Harris. According to that same New York Times/Sienna poll, "15 percent of voters described themselves as not fully decided, and Ms. Harris is leading with that group, 42 percent to 32 percent. Two weeks ago, Mr. Trump had a minute edge with undecided or persuadable voters, 36 percent to 35 percent." This is consistent with a recent Emerson College poll that showed Harris leading this group by double digits.
Second, people are already voting, and while GOP turnout is up in some states like Nevada, Democratic voters, especially women, are reportedly casting ballots at higher rates. This is always a good sign, given Harris's gender gap advantage with women. Even among young men — a group that Trump has spent a great deal of money and effort courting — Harris has a lead in at least one poll among likely young male voters.
Finally, Harris has a far better ground operation for the final push, impacting both enthusiasm and turnout. Does that mean she will win the election? I don't know yet. No one does. It ultimately depends on who turns out more of their supporters in the final days.
So, yes it's OK to be anxious. But as someone who's been through many stressful elections, rather than simply watching the polls shift, the only tried-and-true way to channel that energy is to do something to benefit the democratic process. Go knock on doors in Pennsylvania, or volunteer in a nearby swing state. And of course, vote.
Read more exclusive insights from Jen Psaki here. And tune into "Inside with Jen Psaki" Mondays at 8 p.m. ET, and Sundays at 12 p.m. ET on MSNBC.
