Donald Trump’s recent behaviour and rhetoric have raised eyebrows even among his staunchest supporters, as he approaches the presidential election just 15 days away. His erratic and often vulgar statements have prompted Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democrats to amplify their campaign messaging, branding him as a “deranged” figure who undermines the dignity of the presidency. As Trump increasingly cancels one-on-one interviews and engages in bizarre public appearances, Democrats are framing him as “unstable,” drawing parallels to critiques he once directed at President Joe Biden. Harris’s campaign was quick to spotlight Trump’s recent comments, particularly his assertion that he’s “not that close to 80” while calling for cognitive assessments.
Over the weekend, Trump characterized Harris as a “sh*t” vice president and began a rally with an inappropriate anecdote about golfing legend Arnold Palmer, further showcasing his unfiltered approach. He also reiterated a previous threat to use military force against “enemies from within,” despite House Speaker Mike Johnson’s attempts to downplay these remarks. This behavior has allowed Harris to bolster her message, portraying Trump as an “unserious man” whose potential return to the White House poses “extremely serious” risks, especially as both campaigns vie for undecided voters in a tightly contested race that could hinge on just thousands of votes in key swing states.
Despite Trump’s controversial conduct, it seems he has developed a certain immunity to the consequences that would likely spell doom for other politicians. The twice-impeached former president’s outlandish antics resonate with many Americans who admire his anti-establishment stance. While some observers might interpret his behavior as indicative of a failing campaign under pressure, it’s important to recognize that the outcome of the election could depend on a myriad of other factors.
Polling results indicate a deadlock, and Trump’s erratic behavior hasn’t yet disqualified him in the eyes of many voters. In fact, he continues to outperform his opponents in surveys regarding who voters trust to manage issues like housing costs, grocery prices, and immigration policy. The Biden administration has struggled to counteract these narratives effectively, as rising inflation was initially dismissed as “transitory,” and officials hesitated to label the increasing number of border crossings a “crisis.” Although both inflation and border crossings have since decreased, the political fallout appears to have set in, with Trump still seen as a figure who channels the frustration of voters dissatisfied with the political and economic status quo.
As Trump continues to make headlines, it will ultimately be up to the electorate to interpret his recent conduct. The Harris campaign, which initially aimed to promote positivity, has shifted its focus to exploit Trump’s rhetorical missteps. On MSNBC, Harris stated that the president must set a standard for the nation, arguing that Trump’s behavior “demeans the office.” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris’s running mate, echoed this sentiment in Nebraska, claiming Trump is even less fit for office now than he was during the 2016 election.
In a recent event in Nevada, former President Barack Obama criticized Republicans for justifying Trump’s behavior, highlighting instances where the former president has lied or shown contempt for the Constitution. He specifically pointed to Trump’s derogatory remarks about fallen service members and fellow Americans, emphasizing the dangers of a candidate who threatens to use military force against political opponents. Trump’s comments about targeting political figures like Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff reflect authoritarian tendencies, which, while downplayed by Johnson, raise alarms about the implications of a Trump presidency.
In another display of his strongman instincts, Trump suggested investigating Harris over her appearance on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” signaling a desire to retaliate against perceived media slights. He has also repeated debunked claims, including a bizarre assertion that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were resorting to eating pets, while describing January 6, 2021, as a day of “beauty and love.” Such statements have left many questioning Trump’s mental acuity and his suitability for leadership during critical national security situations.
Critics have noted that some of Trump’s recent comments may open the door for opponents to challenge his fitness for office, contrasting him with Harris, who recently celebrated her 60th birthday. After an interview in Chicago, questions arose about Trump’s grasp of factual information and economic realities, as he appeared to struggle to articulate coherent thoughts. Additionally, he paused a town hall meeting to sway along to music for over half an hour after several attendees required medical attention.
Trump’s decision to kick off a rally by recounting an inappropriate anecdote about Arnold Palmer, whose legacy is celebrated for class and sportsmanship, only underscores the troubling nature of his campaign style. His crude remarks are particularly questionable given his attempts to win over female voters and moderates, representing a significant strategic misstep in a competitive election. However, history suggests that Trump’s lewdness may not significantly deter his support; after all, he managed to survive the fallout from the “Access Hollywood” tape in 2016.
The polarization surrounding Trump has created a unique political climate where even controversial gestures, such as his recent visit to a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania, can be interpreted differently depending on one’s political alignment. For Trump’s supporters, the fast-food photo-op may represent authenticity, while critics like Walz view it as an insult from a wealthy individual who has a history of underpaying workers. This enduring support from the GOP base explains why many Republicans, including Johnson, continue to defend Trump, even as he engages in behaviors that might be viewed as anti-democratic.
As the election approaches, the Biden-Harris administration faces a formidable challenge in countering Trump’s narrative amid fears that disillusioned voters may turn to him for answers. The political stakes are high, and with voters expressing discontent over economic hardships and a host of global issues, Trump’s recent antics may not ultimately decide the election. “We’re winning, and going to win, not because of what Donald Trump is saying, but because of what they’ve done for four years,” South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham stated, framing the race as a referendum on the Biden administration’s performance.
Regardless of the outcome, the campaign’s closing weeks suggest that a Trump victory could lead to significant political upheaval. With a deeply divided electorate, the stakes have never been higher, and as Trump continues to unleash his trademark bravado, the nation holds its breath, wondering what the future may hold.
