Former President Donald Trump’s campaign message for the 2020 election has faced significant challenges in his final week as he competes against Vice President Kamala Harris. Despite efforts to focus on his policy platform, including universal tariffs, tax cuts, and immigrant deportations, Trump’s message has been overshadowed by controversies and distractions.
During a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York, a comedian named Tony Hinchcliffe made offensive remarks about Puerto Rico, drawing widespread criticism from Puerto Rican celebrities, elected officials, and voters. The comments not only alienated voters in critical battleground states like Pennsylvania but also provided ammunition for Harris and the Democratic campaign to attack Trump’s divisive rhetoric.
In addition to the comments about Puerto Rico, Trump’s verbal attacks on former Rep. Liz Cheney further derailed his campaign message. His violent remarks about Cheney led to an investigation by the Arizona Attorney General and allowed the Harris campaign to paint a sharp contrast between Trump’s combative style and their bipartisan approach.
Despite attempts at damage control, including dismissing his rhetoric as part of his unique communication style, Trump’s message has struggled to resonate with voters. Polls indicate a tight race in key swing states, with Republican pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson highlighting a disconnect between Trump’s message on air and his off-the-cuff remarks on the campaign trail.
Moreover, Trump’s controversial comments about protecting American women, whether they like it or not, have further fueled the Harris campaign’s narrative that Republicans seek to impose their beliefs on women’s rights. This issue, particularly concerning abortion restrictions, has driven significant support for Harris among female voters.
As the election nears its conclusion, political analysts like David Axelrod are observing how the race is shaping up. While Harris has maintained a disciplined message, Trump’s lack of focus and tendency towards inflammatory rhetoric could impact the outcome of the election.
Overall, Trump’s 2020 campaign message has struggled to break through the distractions and controversies that have marred his final week on the campaign trail. As voters head to the polls, the contrast between Trump’s divisive language and Harris’ steady messaging could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the election.
