Since Kamala Harris replaced Joe Biden as the Democratic frontrunner for the 2024 election, Trump has frequently targeted her with personal insults, steering away from policy discussions. Some Republicans have expressed concern, arguing that this strategy could backfire and that it’s part of why Trump is slipping in the polls while Harris gains ground.
It’s being reported that as the upcoming debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris approaches, his aides are increasingly concerned about his personal attacks. They believe Harris will use them to her advantage.
Trump’s advisers have urged him to stop using playground insults when referring to Kamala. Specifically, he was advised to avoid words like “stupid” and “dumb.” However, Trump seemed unfazed, responding,
This is the way I am. I hate my opponent. I hate my opponents … Hillary, Joe, Kamala. It doesn’t matter. I just hate them. I’m going to be mean.
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Harris’ campaign has effectively turned Trump’s attacks against him, weaving them into her strategy. His aides fear that this tactic has contributed to her growing lead.
This debate will be only the second time Trump faces a Democratic opponent on such a stage. His first was with incumbent President Joe Biden, during which Trump’s unrestrained approach created chaos, something the Biden team had anticipated. Although Trump was more restrained the second time around, it was enough to expose Biden’s weaknesses, ultimately forcing him to step aside and clearing the path for his vice president, Harris, to take the spotlight.
Harris’ rise has reinvigorated the Democratic Party, so much so that Trump has called it a coup. His polling numbers have been in decline ever since, and what once seemed like an easy victory for Trump now looks uncertain.
It’s not just Trump versus Harris. His team has been studying previous debates, particularly ones involving Mike Pence and Tulsi Gabbard, to gauge potential vulnerabilities. Pence’s focus on policy and Gabbard’s ability to highlight areas where Harris appeared unprepared have given them insights, though it’s unclear how useful they’ll be.
Also advising Trump is Matt Gaetz, a politician who views debating as an art form—an approach Trump has rarely embraced. However, Trump now seems to realize that a more serious strategy may be necessary, especially after some recent missteps, even with media outlets that usually support him. These blunders have begun to chip away at his prospects for victory.
Featured image from Political Tribune gallery
