Trump’s Hardline New Quest to Destroy Harris’ Momentum
As the 2024 presidential election enters its final stretch, former President Donald Trump is launching a ferocious and multifaceted assault aimed at undermining Kamala Harris' emerging candidacy. In the closing nine weeks before Election Day, Trump is working aggressively to dismantle Harris' image as a transformative force and to erode her credibility as a potential president.
Trump’s Aggressive Tactics
In recent days, Trump has unleashed a torrent of negative attacks, reminiscent of the brash tactics that fueled his 2016 victory. His strategy involves painting Harris as responsible for foreign tragedies and alleging her complicity in various international conflicts.
Trump has accused the vice president of being accountable for the deaths of U.S. troops in Afghanistan and linked her to the killings of hostages in Gaza. In a disturbing development, Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, have also suggested that Harris' mixed-race heritage indicates a duplicitous, “chameleon-like” character that allegedly explains her policy reversals.
The ex-president’s rhetoric has grown increasingly caustic. He has amplified sexually charged social media slanders against Harris and run dark campaign ads claiming she will undermine Social Security by welcoming undocumented migrants.
Trump’s campaign is also attempting to paint Harris as a radical leftist by branding her as a “communist” and a “Bolshevik,” while other Trump allies, like South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, have criticized Harris' running mate, Tim Walz, as a “security risk” due to his past teaching stint in China.
Additionally, Trump has hinted that the upcoming election might not be “free and fair,” echoing concerns he raised about election integrity following his 2020 loss. His recent comments, including a defense of his actions in the 2020 election interference investigations, could signal a repeat of the chaos from the last presidential race if he loses again.
Campaign Challenges and Risks
Trump's aggressive campaign strategy reflects his desperation to counter Harris’ rising profile. Despite his team’s attempts to focus on key voter concerns like the economy and immigration, Trump has doubled down on his hard-hitting, insult-driven approach. This shift highlights his struggle to respond effectively to Harris’ campaign, which has successfully differentiated her from President Biden and presented a fresh alternative to Trump’s base.
Trump’s latest tactics also include attempts to address his own vulnerabilities. His recent policy reversals on reproductive rights and attempts to bridge the gender gap come amid concerns that his Supreme Court appointments have alienated female voters. His running mate, JD Vance, has similarly struggled with alienating rhetoric, such as comparing Harris to a distressed beauty pageant contestant.
Harris’ Counterattack and Campaign Strategy
Harris’ campaign has noted the intensity of Trump’s attacks and recognizes the challenge of maintaining her momentum. Despite Trump’s attempts to define her negatively, polling data shows Harris managing to close the gap and restore the race to a competitive state. Harris' campaign has been focusing on key swing states and demographic groups that are crucial for her success.
Harris recently campaigned in Detroit and Pittsburgh, emphasizing her commitment to working-class voters and highlighting her alignment with union interests. This strategy aims to appeal to traditional Democratic voters while countering Trump’s cultural appeal to rural and blue-collar workers.
As the candidates prepare for their upcoming debate on September 10 in Philadelphia, the stakes are high. Harris is striving to counter Trump’s attacks without descending into the same level of personal invective. Her campaign is also leveraging Trump’s controversial actions, such as his Arlington National Cemetery visit, to bolster her narrative of a need for a fresh start away from Trump’s divisive approach.
Outlook for the Final Stretch
Trump’s aggressive and sometimes extreme tactics may reflect his frustration at not being able to definitively damage Harris’ standing. While his rhetoric aims to stoke anger and energize his base, it risks further polarizing the electorate and potentially undermining his own campaign.
For Harris, the challenge will be to weather Trump’s onslaught while reinforcing her positive vision for the country. Her campaign’s focus on key issues and her refusal to engage in Trump's gutter-level attacks may resonate with voters looking for a more hopeful and unifying alternative.
As the campaign heads into its final phase, Trump’s unrelenting offensive and Harris’ strategic responses will likely shape the contours of this pivotal election.