By Nathan Layne, Tim Reid, Alexandra Ulmer and James Oliphant
Donald Trump's campaign and allies are gearing up to discredit Vice President Kamala Harris amidst rumors of her potentially replacing President Joe Biden on the 2024 Democratic ticket.
With an eye on the future, Trump's camp is strategically attacking Harris to weaken her candidacy if she were to become the nominee, should Biden step down after his recent lackluster debate performance.
The escalating criticism from Republicans towards Harris, labeling her as incompetent and Biden's "enabler in chief," is part of a coordinated effort to undermine her credibility in the event of a potential presidential run.
Despite Harris standing by Biden, the attacks on her have intensified, particularly focusing on her handling of illegal immigration issues. The Trump campaign's goal is to paint her as the weakest vice president in history, aligning her closely with Biden's policies.
While Harris continues to defend the Biden-Harris record against false attacks, Trump's allies are working to define her public image and capitalize on her low approval ratings.
In a hypothetical matchup, Trump leads Harris by a slim margin, indicating a potentially competitive race if she were to run for president.
As the first Black vice president in U.S. history, Harris represents a significant demographic advantage for the Democratic Party and could rally support from key voter blocs.
Overall, the political landscape is shifting rapidly, with potential implications for the 2024 election and beyond. Understanding the dynamics of this pre-emptive strike on Harris is crucial for investors and individuals looking to navigate the uncertain waters of U.S. politics.