Staff Reports
Kamala Harris, the vice president often overshadowed by President Biden’s disastrous policies, seems to be flailing to keep her head above water, and it’s all tied to her unwavering support for policies that conservatives have long warned against. The Biden administration’s poor approval ratings on key issues such as inflation, immigration, and—let’s be honest—just plain craziness, mean Harris’s fate is precariously linked to her boss’s record. As inflation continues to wreak havoc and immigration chaos reigns, her progressive stance is about as appealing as a bowl of cold oatmeal at a brunch.
Trump and his campaign have decided to shake things up by connecting Harris’s shortcomings back to Biden, but some analysts suggest they may have overcooked the strategy. Instead of getting bogged down in Harris’s family history, Trump (and everyone else in the GOP) should zero in on the issues that actually matter. It’s no secret that Americans are struggling with rising prices at the grocery store, soaring gas expenses, and the border situation resembling a scene from a zombie apocalypse. Polling numbers reflect that over half of Americans disapprove of Biden’s handling of inflation and immigration, and this is the perfect opportunity for the GOP to put on the full-court press against Harris.
Dont you just love the way MSM gives Trump advice on how to run his reelection campaign?? I think Trump is smart enough to know how to do this and get it done.
Inflation, Immigration, Insanity: Harris has weak points if GOP can stay on message https://t.co/PRvjLlxObD via…
— CarolinTn #MAGA (@Carolin21842) August 6, 2024
Initially, Trump’s campaign tried to weave a coherent narrative about Harris being the catalyst for this administration’s mess. In an attempt to drill down on her significant role in the so-called “border invasion” and other pressing issues, they pointedly branded her as the poster child for everything wrong with Biden’s policies. But, of course, Trump’s diversion into Harris’s mixed-race identity got media heads spinning and away from the more critical talking points. Harris has been on a quest to highlight her racial diversity, and instead of focusing on that, the GOP should emphasize her direct links to disastrous policies.
However, Trump seems to have refocused, especially after the stock market took a nosedive, which he cheekily dubbed the “Kamala crash.” It’s a clever jab, and if he sticks to that kind of messaging and sidesteps petty distractions, it could resonate substantially. Pollsters have noted that when Trump articulates economic growth, job availability, and tamping down inflation, he’s winning. It’s time to revisit the core of what voters really care about, especially in a flagging economy plastered by Harris and Biden’s doing.
Democratic strategists remain optimistic about Harris’s ability to woo voters, claiming that Trump’s advantage might be fleeting. However, deep down, they know it’s still Trump’s race to lose. The reality is that Harris, who desperately tried distancing herself from Biden, is tethered to his poorly received policies. The narrative of “Biden 2.0,” which paints her as an extension of his administration, is one that has the potential to stick.
Surveys show that when voters consider Harris’s role in supporting policies that spurred inflation, they’re less likely to pull the lever for her. It’s clear that the GOP should hammer home the message that she is the face of inflation, crime, and poor immigration policies. The recognition that she cast the deciding vote for the COVID-19 stimulus package, which contributed massively to inflation, is a game-changing point. Until the GOP fully capitalizes on this and connects the dots between Harris and her policies, they will struggle to shake loose a victory on Election Day.
In terms of immigration, the statistics are equally grim for Harris. The connection between her policies and the flood of illegal immigrants is a narrative that can resonate well with independent and undecided voters. It turns out many people aren’t keen on footing the bill for healthcare for illegal immigrants or the notion of abolishing ICE altogether. Harris might as well have had a welcome mat at the border with the way her policies have been executed. If the GOP stands firm on these issues and makes her culpable for the current state of the country, they might just turn the tide against the Democratic machine that is seldom focused on the concerns of everyday Americans.
Even as Harris tries to pivot toward environmental causes, her progressive policies on crime and regulation are likely to come back to bite her. The American people are generally not fans of politicians who bail out serious criminals or push radical measures that threaten their safety and livelihoods. The mentioned opposition to her handling of crime and environmental issues further illustrates that Harris’s liberal policies are not getting the warm reception she hoped for.
Harris’s quest for the presidency may soon become a cautionary tale, especially if she doesn’t pivot quickly. With so many points of vulnerability and a tied race looming, the Republican Party has a golden opportunity to capitalize on Harris’s far-left record and the disastrous policies tied to the Biden administration. The time for the GOP to refocus their messaging is now so they can peek through the clouds of the “Kamala crash” and towards a clearer, more promising political horizon.
