Kamala Harris is having a remarkably smooth ride. It may not last long. Tony Fabrizio, Donald Trump’s campaign pollster, calls it a “Harris Honeymoon” – a combination of good press and positive energy has given the Democrat a surge of momentum. However, the Republicans are determined to bring this honeymoon to an end. Here are three ways Trump is attempting to disrupt Kamala Harris’ current wave of success.
1. Branding Harris as a ‘Radical’ Leftist
During her 2020 presidential campaign, Kamala Harris adopted several progressive positions to align with Democratic primary voters. These included endorsing a government-run health system, supporting policing reform, and advocating for the decriminalization of undocumented entry into the US. While these stances resonated with the Democratic base, they now serve as ammunition for her opponents.
Trump’s campaign has capitalized on these positions by releasing videos such as “MEET SAN FRANCISCO RADICAL KAMALA HARRIS,” highlighting her past endorsements. Conservative commentators see this as a blueprint for attacking Harris, aiming to sway independent and undecided voters in key swing states.
Harris can argue that good leaders evolve their policy positions without compromising their principles. However, if she fails to convincingly make this case, she risks losing crucial support from the broader electorate.
2. Associating Harris with Biden’s Record
Despite recent economic growth and easing inflation, Joe Biden’s administration has faced significant challenges. Issues like immigration policies and ongoing support for Israel in the Gaza War have not been well received by some voters. As vice-president, Harris is inherently linked to the administration’s successes and failures.
Republicans have branded Harris as the administration’s “border czar,” a term that, while not entirely accurate, has damaging implications. They point to her past statements on immigration and her assertion in 2022 that the “border is secure,” attempting to hold her accountable for the administration’s perceived shortcomings.
Harris might not fully distance herself from Biden’s record, but she can frame the narrative to focus on the future. By emphasizing forward-looking policies and contrasting them with Trump’s backward-looking approach, she might mitigate some of the criticisms tied to the current administration.
3. Critiquing Her Tenure as a Prosecutor
Harris’ background as a courtroom prosecutor and California’s attorney general is seen by some Democrats as a “superpower.” During her presidential campaign, she used her law enforcement experience to assert her capability to challenge Trump effectively. However, the Trump campaign is poised to turn this strength into a vulnerability.
Republicans are attacking Harris on two fronts: criticizing her for being too tough on Black men for drug crimes and accusing her of leniency in other cases where individuals reoffended after parole. This dual attack aims to undermine her support base and paint her as inconsistent in her principles.
While Democrats faltered in their response to similar attacks in the past, they are now more prepared. Harris’ campaign is ready to counter these accusations and maintain her prosecutorial record as a strength rather than a liability.
The Battle for Public Perception
According to Fabrizio, Harris “can’t change who she is or what she’s done.” He predicts that voters will increasingly view her as Biden’s “partner and co-pilot” with a “dangerously liberal record.” Trump’s public statements, rally attacks, and an onslaught of advertisements will continue to shape this narrative.
On the other hand, Harris’ campaign will strive to present their own definition of her candidacy and future vision. A critical component of this strategy will be her selection of a vice-presidential running mate. Choosing a more moderate partner could help voters believe she will govern from the center, countering Republican attempts to brand her as an extreme leftist.
In the coming weeks, the efforts to define Kamala Harris will significantly influence public perception and potentially determine the outcome of the election in November. The race to shape Harris’ image could either end the honeymoon period in heartbreak for Democrats or solidify a union that lasts for the next four years.
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