Republicans Distance Themselves from Trump's Insults Toward Kamala Harris
In a recent rally in Wisconsin, former President Donald Trump escalated his personal attacks against Vice President Kamala Harris, referring to her as 'mentally disabled' and making false claims about her racial identity. Trump's comments, made during a speech ostensibly focused on immigration, have drawn criticism from some Republicans who are urging him to steer clear of personal insults and concentrate on key issues like the economy and immigration. Representative Tom Emmer, R-Minn., expressed disapproval of Trump's remarks, stating, 'I think we should stick to the issues.' Emmer emphasized that while he believes Harris is not the right choice for America, personal attacks are not the way forward.
Polling Insights: Trump vs. Harris in the Media
According to a recent CNN polling project, Americans are more likely to hear news about Trump than Harris, with 75% recalling news about the former president compared to 69% for the vice president. This disparity in media coverage highlights a significant divide in how Democrats and Republicans perceive the news, with Republicans focusing on Trump's assassination attempts while Democrats are more concerned with his baseless claims regarding immigrants. The polling data also indicates that while Trump's media sentiment remains negative, Harris's coverage has shifted towards a more neutral tone, reflecting a slight decline in public perception following the recent presidential debate.
The Political Landscape Ahead of the Election
As the presidential election approaches, the rhetoric surrounding Trump and Harris continues to intensify. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized Trump’s remarks, suggesting that they reflect Trump's own insecurities rather than any valid criticisms of Harris. Meanwhile, moderate Republicans like former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan have condemned Trump's attacks, calling them insulting not only to Harris but also to individuals with mental disabilities. With the election just over a month away, the pressure is mounting on Trump to pivot towards substantive policy discussions over personal jabs.
