Donald Trump’s confidence has always been evident, but recent events have thrown his presidential campaign off track, making him appear older, more uncertain, and searching for direction.
An attempted assassination, Joe Biden’s sudden withdrawal from the White House race, and the introduction of Kamala Harris as his replacement have all had an impact on a candidate who was once considered a frontrunner for victory in November.
Biden’s departure has been particularly significant, as his age and physical weaknesses had previously shielded Trump from scrutiny of his own vulnerabilities. Trump, now the oldest presidential nominee at 78, is being compared to the energetic 59-year-old Harris, who has quickly emerged as a formidable opponent.
According to Anthony Scaramucci, Trump is “very upset” and struggling to find a new campaign narrative amidst these changes.
Trump’s campaign managers are urging him to focus on issues like immigration and inflation, but his tendency to pivot to personal attacks and insults, particularly aimed at Harris, may not resonate well with undecided voters he needs to win over.
As the momentum shifts in Harris’s favor, her campaign is amplifying the image of a withdrawn, angry, and embittered Trump.
While Trump’s attacks might appeal to his base, their impact on swing voters remains uncertain.
The Thursday press conference focusing on Trump’s economic agenda turned into a rambling discourse with off-topic remarks and personal criticisms of Harris.
Despite playing well with his base, Trump’s personal attacks against Harris may not sway undecided voters, according to political science professor Elizabeth Bennion.
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