Donald Trump had a bad day last Sunday. When Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the election, Trump’s campaign strategy went out the window. Trump finally taught us something. Unfortunately, it was the wisdom of “Be careful what you wish for.”
Trump’s campaign for more than a year has been based on Biden’s age and “cognitive decline.” Those attacks coming from a candidate who has accused President Biden of risking the start of World War II and who has alerted us to the dangers of both sharks and electric boats will not be effective against 59-year-old Kamala Harris.
Trump’s initial reaction to Biden’s announcement, expressed through postings on his social media site, was anger. Trump was angry at Biden for denying him what he thought would be an easy win in November, so he continued to thrash out at Biden, reminding us that Biden is old and accusing him of being the worst president in history. A saner response, if Trump were honest in his attacks, would be thanking Biden for quitting the race.
Trump welcomed a Democratic party that he believed was saddled with a losing candidate. He saw a win-win. If Biden insisted on remaining in the race, Trump would win on age and sympathy over the failed assassination attempt. If Biden quit, Trump hoped the party would descend into open warfare and a lengthy “mini-convention” process that would end with a split party.
Kamala Harris’ candidacy, unfortunately for Trump, has been well-received by the Democratic party. In less than a week, the vice president has locked up the nomination. The focus of discussions within the party has turned to the selection of a vice president. Should Harris select North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, or somebody else?
My recommendation is that Harris select Jack Smith, the special counsel prosecuting Trump for a basketful of crimes ranging from stealing secret federal documents, obstructing justice, and, of course, interfering with the 2020 presidential election. Thanks to Trump-appointed judges, Smith’s two cases are unlikely to reach trial before election day. So why not put a second experienced prosecutor on the ticket?
A slogan for Harris’s campaign is already emerging—The Prosecutor vs. the Felon. Given the scope of the Trump crime wave, a second prosecutor on the ticket would “make things interesting.” More importantly, Trump’s anger might get the better of him.
I am joking, of course, but I look forward to Trump debating Harris in September, assuming, of course, that Trump does not concoct an excuse to cancel the debate. Harris will make mincemeat of Trump. The unhinged ex-president is also likely to attack Harris on the basis of gender and race. And how do you think the debate on abortion will go?
Harris is already supercharging fired-up women voters. The more Trump attacks her, the more likely women are to vote for Harris. Voters of color also will not take kindly if Trump suggests it is too early for another Black president.
The Trump campaign, apart from tweets coming from the 78-year-old, overweight leader of the Republican party, has not had much to say about Harris. That will change, but Trump will have his hands full, especially if he chooses to defend some of the ridiculous, destructive ideas included in his playbook—Project 2025. (Do not believe Trump when he says he knows nothing about it—Trump is lying.)
The cards in the 2024 election have been reshuffled. There will be surprises ahead, including the selection of a vice-presidential nominee to run with Harris. It is also too soon to assume there will not be more “bombshells.” What could those be? Trump may have his own age-related issues as the stress of the campaign, recovery from the psychological shock of getting shot by a registered Republican, and more legal problems continue.
Trump cannot beat a unified, fired-up Democratic party, especially when much of the Republican party has reservations about Trump’s character, cognitive decline, work ethic, criminal record, and predilection for nepotism.
Stay tuned.
J.E. Dean is a retired attorney and public affairs consultant. He writes on politics, government, and, too infrequently, other subjects.
Sarah Oppenheimer says
As self proclaimed ‘saviors of democracy’ democrats sure don’t seem to care about their primary votes. And if Harris is such a great candidate why isn’t she taking over the presidency from an obviously incompetent Biden now? Huh. Weird. But let’s not ask questions… the corporate media knows best.
Deirdre LaMotte says
Oh dear. Desperation.
.
Sarah Oppenheimer says
Desperation is having your “sharp as a tack” candidate drop out because of “patriotism” only to have a “grass roots” nomination of his wildly popular vice president with an approval rating in the 30s.
Eric Ploeg says
Amen Sarah. Kamala Harris? How did we get here? C’mon man!
John Dean says
Desperation is calling a mob to Washington to storm the Capitol to prevent the electoral vote count being counted in a misguided and treasonous effort to remain in office.
Also, be sure to check the approval rating of Donald Trump. Finally, watch a tape of his most recent rally–Trump is off the rails with “Lying Kamala” and other attacks on Harris. Trump is running scared. The 78-year-old Trump is desperate!
Deirdre LaMotte says
When you want to talk about the democratic process, examine a man who refused to concede a lost election and incited a riot. Maybe then you can ask about a process that is in the bylaws of the Democratic Party.
If you want to understand the bylaws of the Democratic Party, read them.
Anything else you all are desperate about? Game on. Go Blue!
Sarah Oppenheimer says
Folks who believe this is about Red vs Blue and not the freethinkers vs the brainwashed need to wake up.
Wilson Dean says
The focus of the Presidential campaign has now shifted from an old, mumbling Democratic candidate to an old, rambling MAGA candidate facing a young, intelligent, and vibrant opponent. What a difference a day makes.
John Dean says
Amen!
Reed Fawell 3 says
“young, intelligent, and vibrant opponent”, might that be too low of a bar for an individual candidate running for President of the United States?
Deirdre LaMotte says
Oh yeah. Let us all get behind a felon
who also stole top secret US documents
which he refused to hand over, and a twice impeached, convicted rapist. Gee, insights a riot on the US Capitol because he didn’t win.
LOL, whats not to like?!
Bill Aiken says
My bar for presidential candidate may be lower than before. I prefer someone not convicted by a jury of his peers of being a fraud and thus a felon. I prefer someone who is not a sexual predator, who isn’t just plain weird and most importantly who is competent. I’m delighted to see Kamala take over the race. These desperate remarks about her previous run for pres are truly silly. And for those who say it denies the will of the democratic primary voters, where is the democratic voter out cry?Near as I can tell they are all pretty happy about it. #nogoingback!
Barbara Denton says
Your TDS is showing and blinking like a lighthouse. Kamala is a liar. She has lied for 3and 1/2 years stating Joe was great, his cognitive ability was not impaired and she supported his every decision. She is not running on a platform due the Dems not having a platform. Calling Trump a felon is not a platform. Fake charges brought by politically charged District Attorneys who ran on getting Trump do not a platform make.
Trump will debate Kamala and he will mop the floor with her. I have the popcorn ready to pop. When she is officially the candidate the date will be determined. No matter how hard you try you are not going to be able to make a pigs ear into a silk purse The Democrat party is not fired up nor is it united. Talk to the 14 million voters who voted for Biden and are now disenfranchised. I would match Donald Trump’s character, cognitive ability, work ethic, and every other trait again Kamala any day, anytime. The honeymoon is almost over.