Will the Democratic Convention Break Trump?
๐ Abstract
The article discusses how Donald Trump's campaign has been destabilized by the choice of JD Vance as his running mate and the rise in popularity of Vice President Kamala Harris. It describes Trump's response of returning to conspiracy theories and racism, and his attempts to attack Harris, which have been unsuccessful. The article also discusses the upcoming Democratic convention, which is expected to be a celebratory event that will further highlight the contrast between Trump and Harris.
๐ Q&A
[01] Trump's Campaign Challenges
1. What are the key challenges Trump is facing in his campaign?
- Trump's polling lead has vanished and his running mate JD Vance has become a mistake
- Vice President Kamala Harris's popularity has been soaring, which is destabilizing for Trump
- Trump has responded by returning to conspiracy theories and racism, and making false claims
2. How has Trump tried to address these challenges?
- Trump's campaign has tried to get him to give policy speeches, calling them "mini-rallies", in an attempt to keep him on message
- Trump has made attempts to trash Harris, but these have backfired and become stories about his own memory
3. What is the impact of the upcoming Democratic convention on Trump?
- The convention is expected to be a celebratory event that will showcase Harris and attract a large audience, which will bother Trump
- Trump is preoccupied with ratings and production details, and will be closely watching the convention
- The energy and excitement of the convention, as well as the diverse and unconventional programming, will likely further upset Trump
[02] Trump's Reactions and Responses
1. How is Trump's staff responding to the campaign challenges?
- Trump's staff is leaking information to the press about their plans to "right the ship", which Trump keeps undermining
- Trump's close aide, known as the "human printer", doesn't feel like she has to answer to the campaign minders who want Trump reined in
2. How are Trump's allies and supporters reacting to his behavior?
- Republicans, including Kellyanne Conway, Lindsey Graham, Megyn Kelly, and Tomi Lahren, are urging Trump to focus on policy and cut out the "doom and gloom" and personal attacks
- However, a former Trump campaign adviser says Trump "cannot get past his anger" and is "unsettled", and that he probably needs to "bro-out and relax"
3. How does the article suggest Trump will respond to the Democratic convention?
- The article suggests Trump will try to "kick up a shitstorm" in an effort to reclaim the narrative, likely by claiming the convention is "rigged"
- Trump is expected to be upset that he is no longer the main character, as the Democrats' convention will cement that