Why Harris Shifted from Hopeful Campaigning to Warning of Trump's 'Unbridled Power'
On a Wednesday afternoon, Vice President Kamala Harris stood outside the official vice-presidential residence in Washington, DC, delivering a sharp rebuke against her Republican presidential opponent, Donald Trump. Her tone was stern, her message clear.
Describing Trump as “unhinged and unstable,” Harris referenced remarks made by John Kelly, Trump’s former Chief of Staff, in an interview with The New York Times. Kelly had characterized Trump as someone who “fits the general definition of fascist” and even spoke approvingly of Adolf Hitler on several occasions, a chilling statement Harris wasted no time in amplifying. She accused Trump of seeking “unchecked power,” warning that he might use the military as a personal tool to enforce his own political agenda.
In response, Trump’s campaign struck back immediately. Steven Cheung, a spokesman, accused Harris of spreading falsehoods, suggesting that she was desperate because her campaign was struggling. “She is flailing, and her campaign is in shambles,” he added.
As the 2024 presidential race intensifies, the shift in Harris’ messaging from the early, optimistic tone to a more aggressive, cautionary one reflects the nature of closely contested elections. Negative campaigning often works to energize the base and disrupt the opposition, and Harris’ sharper attacks on Trump seem aimed at doing just that.
However, Harris’ turn to harder rhetoric is striking, especially when compared to the early days of her campaign, which embraced a more hopeful and positive message. At the Democratic convention, she issued a mild warning about the dangers of a Trump presidency but largely aligned with President Joe Biden’s core message of optimism and rebuilding democracy. Now, however, she has fully embraced the fight, with a message that Trump represents an existential threat.
Matt Bennett, a strategist with the centrist Democratic group Third Way, pointed out the tactical nature of Harris’ latest remarks. “She needed to ensure as many voters as possible knew what Kelly said,” he explained. Kelly’s dark portrayal of Trump as an authoritarian figure gave Harris the opportunity to appeal to independents and moderate Republicans, a critical demographic in key battleground areas.
Her strategy now revolves around winning over suburban voters in places like Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Phoenix. These areas are home to many college-educated professionals who traditionally lean Republican but may be hesitant to support Trump again. According to Bennett, “Her path to victory involves building a broad coalition, including disaffected Republicans who can no longer support Trump.”
Not everyone is convinced, though. Devynn DeVelasco, a 20-year-old independent voter from Nebraska, was already swayed by the number of senior Republicans who worked for Trump but now say he is unfit for office. While she hopes other Republicans will follow her lead, DeVelasco worries that the constant barrage of anti-Trump rhetoric might be wearing thin on voters. “When these reports came out, I wasn’t shocked, it didn’t change much,” she said.
On the other hand, Republican strategist Denise Grace Gitsham argued that such attacks likely won’t sway voters who prioritize Trump’s policies over his personality. “If you’re voting against Trump because you don’t like his personality, you’ve already made up your mind,” she explained. “But if you care more about policies, you’re going to choose the person whose policies you felt worked best for you.”
As the election nears, both Harris and Trump have intensified their rhetoric. Harris, during her recent campaign stops in the Midwest, warned about the potential dangers of a Trump presidency, particularly concerning abortion rights, healthcare, the economy, and U.S. foreign policy.
On Friday, she is set to rally in Texas, a state that she says symbolizes the future of a Trump-led anti-abortion movement. The following week, her campaign will take center stage in Washington, DC, with a rally near the National Mall, where the next president will be inaugurated.
Meanwhile, Trump continues his own attacks, calling Harris “lazy” and “stupid” during a town hall in North Carolina, claiming that her rise in the Democratic Party is due only to her race and gender. He also issued his own ominous prediction: “We may not have a country anymore” if Harris wins.
This back-and-forth between the candidates is no surprise, but Harris’ decision to shift focus to winning over moderate Republicans and independents carries its own risks, according to Democratic strategist Bennett. “You’re always giving up one thing to gain something else,” he said. With limited time and resources, how Harris spends them could make all the difference.
For over eight years, Trump has been a deeply polarizing figure in American politics. With voters largely settled in their opinions of him, the success of Harris’ latest strategy could determine the outcome of the election. If it works, she’ll emerge victorious. If not, there will be no shortage of Monday morning quarterbacking.
