Trump Struggling To Fix His Campaign Strategy
Former President Donald Trump’s campaign has faced significant turbulence since President Joe Biden’s exit from the 2024 presidential race, a move that initially seemed to position Trump for a promising victory. However, the dynamics have shifted with Vice President Kamala Harris stepping in as the Democratic frontrunner.
Trump’s strategy appeared poised for a change following the assassination attempt on July 13, which might have encouraged a more conciliatory approach. Instead, he reverted to his traditional tactics, intensifying his confrontational stance against Harris, who has energized the Democratic base with her candidacy and has begun leading in national polls. Reportedly, Trump has struggled to adjust to this new dynamic, as he had become accustomed to targeting Biden.
Despite advisories from Republican figures like Senator Lindsey Graham, who have urged Trump to focus on substantive issues such as the economy and immigration rather than race, Trump has continued to make controversial remarks about Harris’s background. He has criticized her for allegedly being disrespectful to her own racial heritage, which has drawn concern from within his party. Graham has argued that emphasizing Harris’s judgment and liberal record would be more effective than engaging in racially charged rhetoric.
During an August 2 dinner with prominent supporters, including billionaires, Trump was expected to signal a strategic shift. However, he reiterated his controversial “stop the steal” rhetoric and dismissed suggestions that he should temper his critiques of Harris’s racial identity. Trump maintained that he was not trying to be more conciliatory following the assassination attempt, but rather was expressing genuine frustration.
Additionally, Trump has had strained interactions with key supporters. Reports indicate he sent irate messages to Miriam Adelson, a significant donor, criticizing her PAC and questioning her late husband Sheldon Adelson’s approval of her support. He also engaged in a bizarre exchange with journalist Maggie Haberman regarding a disputed story involving Willie Brown, mocking her during their conversation.
Trump’s recent remarks at rallies have been sharp and personal, including mocking Senator Jon Tester’s appearance during a Montana rally. Despite these confrontations, Trump is currently trailing Harris in the polls. The latest RealClearPolitics average shows Harris narrowly leading Trump by 0.5 percentage points nationally, while a New York Times/Siena College poll indicates Trump is behind Harris in key battleground states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. This situation presents a significant challenge for Trump’s campaign as the race progresses.
