In a tumultuous period for former President Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, recent reports have shed light on internal challenges and controversial rhetoric, potentially reshaping the landscape of the upcoming election.
According to reporting by The New York Times' Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, Trump has repeatedly used a derogatory term to describe Vice President Kamala Harris in private conversations. The report, based on accounts from two individuals who heard the remarks on separate occasions, claims Trump referred to Harris as a "bitch" multiple times. This allegation comes amidst a series of public statements by Trump criticizing Harris's competence and demeanor.
Steven Cheung, Trump's campaign communications director, vehemently denied these claims, stating, "That is not language President Trump has used to describe Kamala and it's not how the campaign would characterize her." Cheung attempted to deflect the accusation by suggesting Harris had previously used the term to describe herself, though the context and veracity of this claim remain unclear.
The alleged use of such language is not unprecedented for Trump. Throughout his political career, he has been associated with similar rhetoric, either through direct use or by benefiting from supporters' deployment of such terms. Notably, during the 2016 campaign against Hillary Clinton, Trump rallies featured merchandise with slogans like "TRUMP THAT BITCH," which the then-candidate appeared to tacitly endorse.
This latest controversy emerges as Trump's campaign faces significant challenges. Sources close to the campaign report that advisers are deeply concerned about Trump's recent public performances, describing them as "meandering, mean and often middling." These insiders are urging Trump to adopt a more focused, "hard-hitting" stump speech to effectively define Harris as a political opponent.
The campaign's struggles are reflected in recent polling data. The New York Times and Siena College polls show Harris leading Trump by four points among likely voters in crucial swing states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. This shift represents a significant momentum change from earlier in the year when Trump was either tied or ahead in most battleground states.
In response to these challenges, the Trump campaign is reportedly planning a substantial ad blitz. According to AdImpact, a tracking firm, the campaign placed $37 million in new ad buys on a single day, with nearly two-thirds of that amount allocated to Georgia. This move signals a recognition of the need to bolster support in key battleground states.
Adding to the campaign's woes, Trump's team recently announced that their internal email had been hacked, with documents "obtained illegally from foreign sources hostile to the United States." This incident has raised concerns about potential foreign interference in the 2024 election process.
The New York Times article also revealed tensions between Trump and some of his wealthy supporters. In a particularly striking incident, Trump reportedly had an aide send angry text messages to Miriam Adelson, widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and a significant donor, complaining about the management of her super PAC, Preserve America.
As the campaign moves forward, Trump's advisers are grappling with the challenge of refining his message while contending with his tendency towards improvisation and controversial statements. A top Republican source close to Trump acknowledged, "Trump is struggling to get past his anger," highlighting the internal conflicts shaping the campaign's strategy.
The evolving dynamics of the race have prompted political analysts to reassess their projections. Amy Walter, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report, now characterizes the campaign as having shifted "from Trump's to lose to a much more competitive contest," with Democrats "united and energized" and Republicans "on their heels."