Former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, known for endorsing former President Donald Trump, is advising the GOP nominee to focus on Vice President Kamala Harris’ policy shifts in their upcoming debate. Gabbard believes that Harris is attempting to distance herself from her previous stances and records, which could be a point of attack for Trump during the debate on Sept. 10.
Gabbard’s strategy is based on her experience during the 2020 Democratic primary debates, where she criticized Harris for her past actions as a prosecutor. By pointing out what she saw as hypocrisy in Harris’ record, Gabbard was able to create a moment that resonated with voters who were interested in criminal justice reform. Now, Gabbard is urging Trump to follow a similar path and expose Harris’ inconsistencies between her words and actions.
Since the 2019 Democratic primary, Harris has taken more centrist positions on key issues like fracking and immigration. This shift could make her vulnerable to attacks from Trump, especially if he follows Gabbard’s advice and highlights the differences between her past and present platforms. By focusing on Harris’ pivots, Trump might be able to sway undecided voters who are concerned about consistency and trustworthiness.
The Risks for Trump
While Gabbard’s advice could be beneficial for Trump in the debate, there are also risks involved. Gabbard’s tendency to promote conspiracy theories about the Biden administration could backfire if Trump adopts the same rhetoric on stage. By leaning into these conspiratorial themes, Trump might draw attention to his legal battles and alienate undecided voters who are looking for a more measured and fact-based approach.
Surrogates and Strategy
Gabbard and other surrogates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. allow Trump to present his campaign as a welcoming space for independents and former Democrats. By aligning himself with figures who have crossed party lines to support him, Trump can appeal to a broader audience and highlight his campaign’s inclusivity. Gabbard and RFK Jr. have been added to Trump’s official transition team, indicating that they could play significant roles in a potential Trump administration if he wins the White House.
Following Gabbard’s advice in the upcoming debate with Harris could come with both risks and rewards for Trump. By focusing on Harris’ policy shifts and inconsistencies, Trump might be able to sway undecided voters and challenge Harris on her changing positions. However, adopting Gabbard’s conspiratorial rhetoric could alienate some voters and draw attention to Trump’s own legal troubles. It will be interesting to see how Trump balances these factors and whether he can effectively use Gabbard’s advice to his advantage during the debate.
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