Donald Trump Scrambles to Target Kamala Harris After Biden’s Withdrawal

Following Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race, Trump’s campaign is urgently shifting focus to Kamala Harris. Attack ads are being prepared to target her tenure in office and her history in California, according to insiders.

Harris as Presumptive Nominee

The Trump campaign views Harris as the likely Democratic nominee, especially after Biden’s endorsement. Opposition research dossiers against her have been compiled in recent weeks.

Trump-Aligned PACs Prepare to Attack

Trump-aligned political action committees, such as MAGA Inc., plan to launch a $5 million television ad campaign in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona. These ads will portray Harris as the puppet master of the Biden administration.

Challenges in Adjusting Campaign Strategy

The Trump campaign initially focused on defeating Biden. With Biden’s withdrawal, their key attack lines on age and mental acuity are no longer usable and might even backfire against Trump, given his age.

Biden’s Withdrawal: A Setback for Trump

Biden stepping aside was the Trump campaign’s worst-case scenario for the 2024 election. Ironically, Trump’s team had been urging Biden to stay in the race to avoid facing Harris.

Concerns About Running Against Harris

The Trump campaign has been more concerned about running against Harris than Biden. Harris is seen as more effective on issues like abortion and Trump’s legal problems. Her strong stance on abortion rights and her prosecutorial background could highlight Trump’s recent criminal conviction negatively.

Harris’ Unique Appeal and Potential Drawbacks

Harris’s humorous and viral social media moments, like her quirky phrases, add to her appeal. However, the Trump campaign believes they can exploit her record on the “open” US southern border and her tenure as a US senator and California attorney general.

Focusing on Harris’ Record

The Trump campaign plans to highlight issues that troubled Harris in the 2020 Democratic primary, such as being perceived as soft on crime and lenient on first-time drug offenders during her time as a prosecutor in California.