Henry Barbour, long-time Republican strategist and Mississippi Republican National Committeeman, made parallels between Cindy Hyde Smith and Joe Biden campaigns. The Biden campaign seems to be maintaining a low profile and riding a perceived lead. Trump is losing large rallies and crowds because of the pandemic. Barbour stated that he believes the school of thought with Biden has the same effect as Cindy Hyde Smith’s world. “Let’s lay low, let us have a lead.” This is a proven strategy. If you’re winning, keep your head down. This is the reason Thad Cochran did not debate Chris McDaniel last year. Why do it? Don’t give your rival that platform.” Barbour stated that a recent Espy poll showed Black turnout at 35%. This is a very high number and at least five points higher than the Hyde Smith lead. Barbour stated that Trump voters are more likely than those who want to defeat Trump to turn out in Mississippi. “I believe Cindy Hyde Smith has an advantage in Mississippi that she’ll be riding with a large presidential turnout.” Barbour stated that the Mississippi flag issue, which was about whether to keep or remove the old flag, is settled. Barbour indicated that it’s unlikely that this will drive a lot of turnout. I believe this will have a large turnout, because it’s a referendum about Donald Trump and the country’s performance. Cindy Hyde Smith will be helped by that. George Floyd, the protests will help Mike Espy. But I think Democratic voters know that Donald Trump will win Mississippi so it’s hard to get low-propensity voters on the Democratic side.” Click Here to return to the expert opinions.