Former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who has endorsed Republican former President Donald Trump’s campaign, is advising the GOP nominee to focus on Vice President Kamala Harris’ policy shifts in their upcoming debate. Gabbard, who is part of a small group of Trump advisers helping him prepare for the debate on Sept. 10 on ABC, believes that Harris has been trying to distance herself from her past positions. Gabbard, who clashed with Harris during the 2020 Democratic primary contest, believes that Trump should emphasize Harris’ inconsistency on various issues to sway undecided voters.
Gabbard’s attack on Harris during the 2019 Democratic primary debate focused on Harris’ record as a prosecutor, specifically her handling of marijuana violations and cash bail. Back then, criminal justice reform was a major issue among Democratic primary voters, and Gabbard was successful in pointing out Harris’ hypocrisy on the matter. Now, with Harris shifting more toward the center on issues like fracking and immigration, Trump has an opportunity to challenge her on these policy changes. Gabbard believes that Harris is trying to hide from voters by claiming one thing but acting differently, and she urges Trump to expose these discrepancies during the debate.
While following Gabbard’s advice could potentially help Trump in convincing undecided voters, there are also risks involved. Gabbard shares Trump’s conspiratorial views about the Biden administration and accuses the White House of targeting political opponents. If Trump embraces these conspiracy theories during the debate, he could draw attention to his own legal battles and alienate undecided voters. Despite these risks, Gabbard and other Democratic defectors like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. provide Trump with an opportunity to appeal to independents and attract Democratic voters who have soured on their party’s current direction.
The Trump campaign has added both Gabbard and RFK Jr. to its official transition team, with talks reportedly ongoing about potential cabinet positions if Trump wins the White House. By aligning himself with former Democrats like Gabbard and RFK Jr., Trump can present his campaign as a welcoming space for those disillusioned with the two-party system. This strategy not only helps Trump broaden his appeal beyond traditional Republican voters but also underscores his willingness to work with individuals from diverse political backgrounds.
Gabbard’s firsthand experience debating Harris during the Democratic primary contest gives her valuable insights into how to challenge the Vice President effectively. By highlighting Harris’ policy shifts and inconsistencies, Gabbard believes that Trump can gain an advantage in the upcoming debate. Whether Trump decides to follow this advice remains to be seen, but Gabbard’s presence as an adviser underscores the cross-party alliances that are forming in response to growing disillusionment with traditional political divisions. As the debate approaches, it will be interesting to see how Trump leverages Gabbard’s counsel to confront Harris and present himself as a candidate for all voters, regardless of their political affiliations.
