Donald Trump’s aggressive and confrontational behavior over the past eight years has proven that he is unlikely to rein in his wildest impulses. Despite this, some of his supporters are urging him to adopt a more serious approach to secure victory in the 2024 election. Trump’s campaign is planning to set him up with a series of policy speeches, town halls, and rallies in battleground states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin in response to Kamala Harris’ disciplined campaign and the success of the Democratic National Convention. This new strategy is aimed at repositioning Trump before his debate against Harris on September 10.
Some Republicans, including Senator Lindsey Graham, are advising Trump to focus more on the issues that matter to voters, such as high grocery prices and concerns about the southern border, rather than engaging in personal attacks. However, Trump’s unconventional behavior and penchant for social media outbursts often overshadow his policy points, frustrating GOP campaign experts. While many believe that Trump’s path to victory is clear, his tendency to prioritize personality over policy could undermine his chances of success in the election against the vice president of an unpopular administration.
Despite efforts from his campaign team and allies to convince him to adopt a more moderate approach, Trump has shown reluctance to change his tactics. His recent rally in Arizona highlighted his focus on attacks and slights, demonstrating that he is not swayed by calls to stick to policy. Trump’s anger and chaos, which helped him win the 2016 election, have also contributed to his failures, particularly in handling the Covid-19 pandemic. Harris has shifted her anti-Trump strategy to highlight the consequences of putting him back in the White House, framing the election as a choice between moving forward or reverting to the chaos of the past.
Harris’ campaign theme of “We won’t go back” emphasizes a return to optimism and progress after the tumultuous Trump years. She is positioning herself as a beacon of hope and change, contrasting the divisiveness and anger of the previous administration with a message of freedom, opportunity, and compassion. While Harris has enjoyed a largely error-free rollout, she faces pressure to maintain her momentum leading up to the debate with Trump on September 10. As the race tightens and the focus shifts to swing states, both candidates must demonstrate their ability to deliver disciplined messages and connect with voters to secure victory in November.
The upcoming debate between Trump and Harris will be a critical moment in the election, with both candidates vying for every single vote in key battleground states. While Harris has gained ground in polls and has erased Biden’s deficits, the race remains extremely tight. The pressure is on both candidates to navigate the challenges ahead and demonstrate their capacity to lead and inspire. As the campaign intensifies in the coming weeks, the outcome of the election will reveal whether Trump’s divisive showmanship will propel him to victory once again or if a new era of optimism and change will emerge under Harris’s leadership.
