Deneen's analysis highlights the shifting dynamics of the election, suggesting that Harris's initial appeal may not be enough to secure victory against Trump's entrenched support.
Trump's aggressive campaign tactics, including personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric, could galvanize his base but may alienate moderate voters, particularly women, who are trending towards Harris.
The relationship between Trump and Cheney illustrates a broader divide within the Republican Party, as Cheney's support for Harris emphasizes the complexities of political alliances in the current landscape.
If Trump continues to leverage aggressive rhetoric and personal attacks, he may energize his core supporters but risk further alienation from moderate and female voters.
Harris's campaign may need to address the challenges of her past performance while also amplifying messages that resonate with women and independent voters to maintain her lead in the polls.
The outcome of the election could hinge on voter turnout among women and independent voters, as well as the effectiveness of Trump's strategy to frame potential defeat as a result of 'fraud' rather than a rejection of his policies.
Patrick J. Deneen, a political philosophy professor at the University of Notre Dame, has observed that Vice President Kamala Harris's initial enthusiasm as a Democratic candidate has waned significantly, leading to a neck-and-neck race with former President Donald Trump as the election approaches. Deneen notes that Harris's past performance in the 2020 primaries has contributed to her current polling struggles. Meanwhile, Trump has intensified his campaign rhetoric, launching personal attacks on Harris and former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney, who has publicly supported Harris against Trump. During a recent rally in Arizona, Trump referred to Harris as 'a vulgar person' and made disparaging comments about Cheney, suggesting that her criticisms stem from a position of privilege and safety. Cheney responded by condemning Trump's threats, asserting that such rhetoric is characteristic of dictators and poses a danger to democratic values. Trump's campaign strategy appears to be fueled by a focus on rallying his base through aggressive and controversial statements, while Harris aims to capitalize on the gender gap favoring her among women voters.
