In the wake of President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, the Trump campaign has made clear their eagerness for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee.
Trump senior adviser Chris LaCivita stated on Thursday that the campaign would still "love" for Harris to be the nominee, labeling her as the "gaslighter-in-chief" following her comments about Biden’s health. LaCivita pointed out that Harris's assertion about Biden being "fine" and "in great shape" reflects a character issue.
During last week’s Republican convention, several speakers repeatedly referred to Harris as the "border czar," a term tied to her role in addressing migration issues at the southern border, a task assigned by Biden. This label aims to connect Harris to the administration's broader challenges in managing border migration.
However, not all Republicans share the same enthusiasm about this development. Republican strategist Terry Sullivan emphasized that Trump can still campaign against both Biden and Harris's records, highlighting inflation and border security issues. Nevertheless, Sullivan noted that Biden was perceived as the weaker candidate, suggesting that the race might not be as straightforward with Harris.
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu added that a switch to Harris would significantly alter the dynamics of the election, potentially making it much closer in swing states and injecting new energy into the race. Sununu suggested that independent voters might reward the Democratic Party for recognizing the need for change.
Approximately 45 minutes after Biden announced his decision on X, formerly known as Twitter, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to criticize Biden’s legacy. Trump argued that Biden was never fit to run for President or to serve, attributing Biden's rise to power to "lies, Fake News, and not leaving his Basement." He further claimed that those around Biden, including his doctor and the media, were aware of his diminished abilities. Trump also took the opportunity to attack Biden’s immigration policies.
The political landscape is set for dramatic shifts as both parties prepare for an increasingly intense battle before the 2024 election.