Why Trump’s Obsession with Kamala Harris is Hurting His Election Chances

 

Trump’s relentless focus on personal attacks against Kamala Harris is distracting him from the real issues that matter most to voters, like the economy, border security, and crime. To win the upcoming election, Trump must recalibrate his strategy and focus on pressing issues like high prices, border crises, and rising crime, rather than dwelling on personal vendettas.

Donald Trump's campaign seems to be steering its ship in stormy waters, and it's as if the captain is too busy throwing shade at the horizon to notice the iceberg straight ahead. The campaign itself is, paradoxically, running smoothly—like a well-oiled machine. They are releasing the right kind of advertisements, speaking on the pressing issues of the day like the economy, border security, and crime, and flooding the airwaves with messages meant to resonate with a base that has been loyal to Trump since his rise in 2016. But the problem isn’t with the campaign apparatus; the problem is with Donald Trump himself.

Trump has, over the past months, focused a lot of his energy on attacking Vice President Kamala Harris. His rhetoric has veered into personal territory, as he constantly talks about her race, intelligence, and personal life. He’s employing the same strategies he used in previous campaigns, particularly in 2016 when the Democratic Party was fractured and Hillary Clinton was his opponent. Back then, his relentless attacks worked because he was facing a divided opposition and a media landscape that thrived on his bombastic personality. Now, however, the dynamics have changed. The Democratic Party has found some unity behind Kamala Harris, and Trump's repeated attacks are beginning to backfire.

Kamala Harris, the first woman of South Asian and African American descent to hold the vice presidency, is a figure who resonates with a wide array of voters, especially among minority groups and women. While Trump's base may cheer his derogatory comments about her, the broader electorate does not. In fact, his focus on personal attacks against her has been seen as increasingly distasteful and out of touch with the current political climate. In a time when many Americans are more concerned about their financial well-being, safety, and the border crisis, Trump’s decision to attack Harris on personal grounds seems tone-deaf.

Trump’s previous success relied heavily on his ability to tap into the anger and frustrations of a large segment of the American population. He channeled the grievances of those who felt left behind by the political establishment. His promise to "drain the swamp" in Washington, D.C., resonated with voters tired of politics as usual. However, in the current election cycle, the issues that are top of mind for voters have shifted. The economy, inflation, crime, and immigration are front and center, and voters are looking for solutions to these pressing issues.

According to the latest polls, Americans are deeply concerned about rising prices, with inflation at a 40-year high. The cost of everyday goods—gasoline, groceries, housing—has skyrocketed, putting a strain on household budgets across the country. In addition, the southern border crisis has escalated, with record numbers of migrants crossing into the United States, prompting debates over national security and the humanitarian aspects of immigration. Crime rates, particularly in urban areas, continue to rise, fueling fears and concerns about safety in communities nationwide.

These are the issues that Trump should be focusing on if he truly wants to make a comeback and defeat Kamala Harris in the upcoming election. Voters are hungry for leadership that addresses these problems head-on, and Trump has the opportunity to capitalize on these concerns. But instead of focusing on these straightforward, election-winning goals, Trump has been distracted by his personal vendetta against Harris. This distraction is not only undermining his campaign but also alienating voters who are tired of the mudslinging and want to hear about real solutions to their everyday problems.

In 2016, Trump’s unorthodox style and willingness to break all the rules worked in his favor. He disrupted the political landscape and connected with voters who felt disillusioned by the status quo. But the same tactics that made him a political force eight years ago are now beginning to look outdated. The electorate has changed, and the issues have evolved. Today’s voters are looking for competence, stability, and someone who can deliver results, not just insults.

Kamala Harris, despite the criticism she faces, has managed to maintain a steady presence in the race. She continues to push forward on key issues such as healthcare, climate change, and social justice—issues that resonate deeply with a significant portion of the electorate. Her disciplined approach contrasts sharply with Trump’s erratic behavior, and this contrast is beginning to work against him.

There have been calls from within Trump’s own party for him to recalibrate his strategy. Political analysts and some Republican insiders have suggested that Trump needs to pivot back to the issues that matter most to voters if he wants to have any chance of winning. They argue that he needs to stop the personal attacks and refocus his energy on the economy, border security, and crime—areas where he has traditionally had strong support.

The reality is that Trump’s best chance of winning lies in reminding voters of the high prices they are paying at the pump, the insecurity they feel about the southern border, and the rising crime rates in their cities. These are the bread-and-butter issues that can sway an election, and Trump has a track record in these areas that he can point to. However, his continued focus on Harris is clouding his message and making it difficult for his campaign to gain traction.

If Donald Trump wants to reclaim his position at the top, he needs to stop looking backward at the battles he has already fought and start focusing on the challenges that lie ahead. The path to victory is clear, but it requires discipline, focus, and a willingness to adapt to the changing political landscape. In the end, Trump’s greatest obstacle may not be Kamala Harris or the Democratic Party, but his own inability to let go of the past and move forward.

In politics, as in life, the ability to adapt is key to survival. Donald Trump’s campaign might be running like a well-tuned engine, but if the driver keeps his eyes on the rearview mirror, he’s bound to crash. And while Trump might be a master at driving the news cycle, he’s currently steering his campaign right off the road. If he doesn’t course-correct soon, he might find himself in a ditch, watching Kamala Harris drive past him to the finish line.