Trump's Private Anger Over Kamala's Poll Surge Takes an Ominous Turn
Aug 12, 2024
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Amanda Carpenter, a leading Never Trump conservative and editor at Protect Democracy, shares insights on Donald Trump's growing alarm over Kamala Harris's rising popularity. They discuss how Trump's escalating conspiracy theories about election fraud could reshape the GOP's future. Carpenter delves into the dangerous implications of his rhetoric, particularly in light of events like January 6th, and questions whether the Republican Party can move beyond the MAGA influence, especially as discontent within the party grows.
Trump's escalating anger over Kamala Harris's rising poll numbers reveals his struggle to maintain control of the political narrative.
The Republican Party faces a crucial decision on whether to distance itself from Trump as emerging voices call for new leadership amidst electoral challenges.
Deep dives
Trump's Response to Kamala Harris' Popularity
Trump's growing concern about Kamala Harris' rising popularity signals a shift in the political landscape. His pollster has attributed Harris' success to excessive media coverage, reflecting a broader worry among Trump supporters that he is losing control of the narrative. Despite Trump's attempts to project a new tone after personal crises and increased security measures, he has continued to engage in familiar election rhetoric, illustrating his struggle to adapt to changing dynamics. The latest polling data shows Harris leading in key states, further intensifying Trump’s anxiety and prompting speculation about his electoral strategy as the election approaches.
Election Integrity and Potential Manipulations
Concerns over election integrity have resurfaced, particularly regarding how local and state officials might manipulate the certification process. With state boards giving county officials the authority to conduct inquiries into election results, there is a risk of reintroducing chaos reminiscent of the January 6th insurrection. Legal experts point out that such attempts would likely violate existing state laws, yet the mere possibility highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in the electoral process. This is made more troubling by the fact that Trump is already framing any potential loss as a product of electoral fraud, raising alarms about the implications for democracy if these tactics are employed.
Shifting Dynamics Within the Republican Party
The Republican Party is experiencing an evolution in its relationship with Trump, characterized by emerging voices advocating for a departure from his influence. Many party members, once loyal to Trump, are beginning to publicly acknowledge the need for a change after multiple electoral defeats under his leadership. This rhetoric signals a potential shift in allegiance as fears of losing power mount amidst growing calls for new leadership. With the upcoming elections, the party faces a critical juncture where it must decide whether to continue down the Trump path or embrace a new direction to regain political traction.
Over the weekend, The New York Timesreported that Donald Trump is deeply unsettled about Kamala Harris’s successful launch, even as polls show her edging into a small lead. His anger has led him to escalate the private conspiracy-mongering about Democrats supposedly cheating in the election. We talked to Amanda Carpenter—a leading Never Trump conservative and an editor at Protect Democracy—about why it’s so disturbing that Trump is already laying the groundwork to overturn a loss, a novel way he might try to pull this off, and whether the GOP will ever move beyond MAGA.