As the Democratic convention gets underway in Chicago, Donald Trump is frantically trying to recover from his recent struggles to adapt to Vice President Kamala Harris as his opponent. Trump’s hectic schedule reflects the concerns of his allies, who have urged him to broaden his appeal with swing voters as Harris’s competitiveness grows. Trump is focusing on issues where Republicans believe they have an advantage, but his approach has raised concerns among his allies that he is damaging his chances.
Trump’s recent outbursts have been characterized by lying about Harris’s crowds, making personal attacks on her appearance, and questioning her racial identity. These outbursts have led some to question his ability to win the election. Senator Lindsey Graham, for example, expressed doubts on NBC’s Meet the Press, saying, “If you have a policy debate for president, he wins. Donald Trump the provocateur, the showman, may not win this election.” Some of Trump’s supporters have also suggested that he needs to focus on policy issues and avoid personal attacks.
Kory Jeno, a North Carolinian, emphasized that Trump needs to quit talking about Joe Biden and instead focus on what he will do for Americans. “He needs to keep the conversation on the issues and what he’s going to do for Americans instead of running off on tangents where he’s just bashing her and that sort of thing,” Jeno said. Mary Ray, a 75-year-old, added that Trump needs to “stop the personal attacks” and “be discreet when you’re talking.” Some Trump supporters have also warned him against relying too heavily on his rallies, where his most ardent supporters cheer on his most incendiary rhetoric. Bruce Fields, a Pennsylvania commercial real estate worker, noted that while the rallies are enjoyable, Trump’s most effective campaigning comes from talking to ordinary people. “When he is talking to ordinary people, it adds a personal touch,” Fields said.
As Trump continues to struggle to adjust to Harris as his opponent, it remains to be seen whether he can regain his footing and win the election. Trump’s supporters are urging him to focus on policy issues and avoid personal attacks, but his ability to do so remains uncertain. With the Democratic convention underway in Chicago, Trump’s candidacy is facing increased scrutiny, and his chances of regaining ground against Harris are looking increasingly slim.