Strategist Says Trump Failing?
Democratic strategist and CNN contributor David Axelrod recently assessed the campaign strategies of former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris as they make their final appeals to voters before Election Day. According to Axelrod, Trump is not effectively closing his campaign, which could leave Republicans feeling uneasy about his messaging.
Axelrod pointed out that Trump seems to be inadvertently supporting Harris’s narrative during this crucial period. He remarked, “Republicans likely wish he would stick more closely to the script and convey the messages that could bolster his chances in this election.” Axelrod has emphasized that Harris, in contrast, is managing her campaign communications with greater discipline and focus.
As both candidates traverse seven pivotal swing states in these final days, Trump has attracted significant attention for his controversial remarks at rallies. Notably, he sparked outrage when he suggested he wouldn’t mind if someone shot “through the fake news,” a comment his campaign later attempted to clarify. Additionally, he faced backlash for his critical remarks about former Rep. Liz Cheney, which included violent imagery in his criticism of her foreign policy stance.
On the other hand, Harris is positioning herself as a “president for all Americans” in her campaign advertisements, advocating for unity during her speeches. However, her efforts were somewhat overshadowed by President Biden’s divisive remarks aimed at Trump supporters, which led her to distance herself from his comments.
Axelrod, who previously served as chief strategist for President Obama, has expressed concerns about Harris’s electoral strategy, describing Trump as a “substantial favorite” in earlier commentary. He noted that while Harris has been criticized for her cautious approach, she has effectively articulated her closing message in a way that resonates with voters.
He concluded, “Maintaining discipline in the final stretch can be a significant advantage. Being clear and focused on your message is crucial, as being unfocused can have damaging repercussions. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.” In a highly polarized environment, the importance of strategic messaging cannot be overstated for both parties as they strive to secure victory at the polls.