Donald Trump, the 45th president of the United States, has been creating an elaborate strategy to bring down his political adversary Kamala Harris in the tight race that the 2020 election turned out to be. The techniques employed by Trump have varied and have seemed to be diversifying as the former business magnate scrambles to keep a steady momentum in his candidacy.
The Trump campaign has been relentlessly working on undermining Kamala Harris, the first-ever woman of color to be nominated for national office by a major political party. This comes in light of the former Vice President Joe Biden picking Harris as his running mate. Considering the significant role that the Vice President plays in an administration, it’s understandable why Trump would focus on casting doubts and concerns regarding Harris.
Trump’s approach has been one of personal attacks, primarily targeting Harris’s record during her time as a prosecutor in San Francisco and California’s state attorney general. The criticism accentuates the perceived flaws in her career, making a point to call out her ‘tough-on-crime’ stance that according to the Trump campaign, shows inconsistency with her current progressive image.
Another strategy by Trump to undermine Harris has been to allege that she would take control if Biden were elected, due to Biden’s age and alleged cognitive decline. By suggesting that Harris would ultimately be in charge, he’s working to spark fear among his base, given their general opposition to Harris’s more liberal policies.
Use of social media has been a cornerstone of Trump’s political strategy throughout his tenure. His posts regularly draw millions of responses and are used as a tool to influence public opinion. His tweets contain targeted attacks on Harris, often resorting to name-calling and dubious claims. Like most of his social media-laced strategies, this one is aimed at casting Harris in a negative light, questioning her capabilities and credentials to hold the second highest office in the country.
Further, Trump has also attempted to ignite controversy by fueling ‘birther’ conspiracy theories, suggesting that Harris might be ineligible to serve as vice president due to her parents’ immigrant status. This claim has been dismissed as false by legal experts, but that has not stopped Trump from flinging such allegations.
However, it’s crucial to observe that this endeavor to tarnish Kamala Harris might be indicative of the tight race that the Trump campaign finds itself in. It demonstrates an acknowledgement of her power and influence as a worthy opponent, presenting a formidable challenge to Trump. The more she is perceived as a threat, the more feverish Trump’s attempts at dismissing her become.
In conclusion, it’s clear that Trump’s efforts to undercut Harris present a strategic battle plan designed to safeguard his presidential position in what was a fiercely contested election race. Whether his attempts proved effective or not, they offered a glimpse into a tumultuous and dramatic period in American politics. Undoubtedly, it highlighted the unique strategies employed by a president, known for his unconventional approach, facing a strong political adversary in a tight race.
