Former President Donald Trump’s increasingly extreme rhetoric has heightened the pressure on Vice President Kamala Harris to win over independent voters, according to an analysis by Stephen Collinson for CNN. Collinson argues that Harris must convince conservative-leaning independents that she is a trustworthy alternative as Trump ramps up divisive language ahead of the 2024 election.
Collinson points out that Trump is “escalating the most toxic anti-immigrant rhetoric in modern US history,” making inflammatory claims about migrants and pushing a narrative that frames immigrants as dangerous outsiders. He highlights one instance where Trump falsely claimed that Haitian migrants in Ohio were eating pets, stoking fear and xenophobia.
As Trump leans further into these extreme positions, Democrats are becoming increasingly anxious, particularly about Harris’s ability to solidify a decisive lead. “Dread is growing among Democrats that the euphoria over Harris’ entry into the race… has not translated yet into a decisive lead over Trump,” Collinson writes.
Despite Harris’s strong performances at the Democratic convention and in debates, she has yet to deliver a message that resonates deeply with conservative voters who may be on the fence about their party’s direction. This challenge has led prominent Democratic figures, including former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, to actively campaign on her behalf, particularly in key swing states. Harris’s campaign relies heavily on support from Black and Latino voters, groups that are crucial to countering Trump’s resurgence.
“Trump’s deepening extremism is increasing already massive pressure on Harris,” Collinson notes, pointing out that Democratic leaders are pleading with voters not to let Trump return to the White House. This reflects growing concern within the Democratic base as polls show a tight race, with many battleground states still in play.
While Harris leads in many national polls, critical swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, and Georgia show the race is nearly a tossup. Collinson adds that, while Trump may struggle to gain more supporters, Harris still has the potential to pick up undecided voters. “In the NBC News poll, 10% of voters said they might change their minds,” Collinson writes, suggesting there’s still an opportunity for late shifts in support to decide the outcome in key states.
However, Collinson concludes with a sobering reminder: “Trump — despite his two impeachments, his criminal conviction, and his attempt to destroy democracy to stay in power — is within reach of the presidency again with a more radical agenda than before.” Democrats, he warns, have plenty of reason to be unsettled as the election draws near.
