As the Democratic National Convention gets underway in Chicago, Donald Trump is attempting to realign himself after a rocky period adjusting to his new formidable opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. The former US president and Republican nominee has increased his campaigning activity, holding daily events in battleground states focused on subjects where he believes the Republicans have a strong advantage, such as the economy, crime and safety, national security, and the border.
Trump’s speech at a Pennsylvania factory on Monday was highlighted by his attacks on Harris, calling her an “economy wrecker and a country destroyer.” His allies are urging him to broaden his appeal with swing voters as they grow increasingly concerned about Harris’ competitiveness. Trump’s strategy seems to be one of undercutting the Democratic celebration by emphasizing policy issues that Republicans think they can win on.
However, Trump’s recent outbursts have raised concerns among his own supporters that he is damaging his chances in the election. The series of personal attacks on Harris, including claiming she is an “economy wrecker” and questioning her racial identity, have been seen as divisive and off-putting to many voters.
Donald Trump (Image via Getty)
In an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Senator Lindsey Graham expressed his concerns, saying that Trump’s antics are damaging his credibility and that the Republican nominee should focus on policy issues, particularly the economy and the US-Mexico border. Graham’s sentiments were echoed by several other Trump supporters at recent rallies.
Many have advised Trump to stop engaging in personal attacks and instead focus on the issues. Kory Jeno, a Trump supporter from North Carolina, urged the former president to “quit talking about Biden other than Harris piggybacking on those policies” and to “keep the conversation on the issues” instead of making personal attacks.
Mary Ray, a 75-year-old supporter from Pennsylvania, echoed this sentiment, saying that Trump’s personal attacks are “hurting him with other voters.” Others have suggested that Trump ramp up his schedule and pivot away from rallies, where his most incendiary rhetoric tends to resonate with his most ardent supporters.
Some supporters have also advised Trump to engage in more one-on-one conversations with ordinary people, as seen in the article where Trump is quoted as saying “I like him when he goes to a restaurant or just talks to anybody off the street. When he is talking to ordinary people, it adds a personal touch.”
