2024 Presidential Race Heats Up: Trump Campaign Accuses Harris of Border Crisis, Economic Woes, and Afghanistan Debacle

Border to Economy - Trump Team Takes Aim at Harris

“That suggests the attack line that we heard in Trump's closing statement at the debate in response to her plans...”

Trump campaign faces uphill battle as Kamala Harris surges in polls and fundraising.

The Trump campaign recently launched a strategy to link Kamala Harris to several contentious issues, including the border crisis, rising inflation, and the tumultuous withdrawal from Afghanistan, which tragically resulted in the loss of 15 American lives. This move aims to sway public opinion against Harris.

In contrast, Harris's campaign is emphasizing her accomplishments in managing drug prices and boosting economic growth. Key initiatives include:

Lowering Prescription Drug Costs: Harris promises to take on Big Pharma and cap insulin costs for all Americans, building on her previous efforts to lower healthcare premiums

Economic Growth: Harris aims to create an Opportunity Economy, promoting fair taxes, good-paying jobs, and investments in American industries and workers.

A significant majority, 60% of likely voters, believe the record number of southern border crossings is attributable to the current administration's policies. The Trump campaign sees this as a key advantage. However, Harris's campaign counters with her commitment to:

Immigration Reform: Harris promises to secure borders and fix the broken immigration system while ensuring safety and dignity for all.

Public Safety: Harris's record includes removing illegal guns and prosecuting violent criminals, with a focus on community safety programs.

The contrasting approaches highlight the differing priorities and values of the two campaigns.

Kamala Harris has been dubbed the “border czar” due to her role in addressing immigration policy, particularly in collaborating with Central American countries to tackle the root causes of migration. Her focus has been on promoting economic development and job creation to discourage people from migrating north. This initiative is part of the Biden-Harris administration's broader strategy to stem the tide of irregular migration from Central America.

Key Areas of Focus:

Economic Development: Encouraging private sector investment and job creation in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras 

Addressing Root Causes: Fostering democratic governance, combating corruption, and promoting human rights in the region

Regional Cooperation: Working with Mexico and other countries to enhance migration enforcement and accept returnees

Despite these efforts, some polls suggest that the public perceives Harris as having a more extensive role in border policy than she actually does. However, her work has led to notable achievements, such as:

$1.2 Billion in Private Sector Commitments: Secured through the “Call to Action” initiative to create jobs and opportunities in Central America 

70,000 Jobs Created: Through USAID support to private sector firms in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras

Strengthened Diplomatic Ties: Enhanced collaboration with regional leaders and international partners to address migration challenges

By addressing the root causes of migration and promoting economic development, Harris aims to reduce the incentive for people to migrate north, ultimately contributing to a more stable and secure region.

Recent polls show a divided opinion on Kamala Harris's performance. A significant majority, 55%, blame her for the high inflation rates, while 49% hold her partially responsible for the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, which resulted in the loss of 13 US service members. In response, Harris stated that she was the last person present when the withdrawal decision was made.

On the economic front, opinions are split, with 45% crediting her for substantial economic growth and the same percentage disputing her role in it. However, a notable 53% acknowledge her efforts to control prescription costs, particularly capping insulin prices at $35 per month and reducing healthcare premiums. Harris's campaign highlights her commitment to:

Lowering Prescription Drug Costs: Empowering Medicare to negotiate prices and capping out-of-pocket costs at $2,000 for seniors.

Economic Growth: Promoting fair taxes, good-paying jobs, and investments in American industries and workers.

Immigration Reform: Securing borders and fixing the broken immigration system while ensuring safety and dignity for all.

These initiatives demonstrate Harris's focus on addressing pressing national concerns, despite the mixed public opinion.

James Johnson, co-founder of J.L. Partners, observed that the poll results reveal potential soft spots in Kamala Harris's campaign, pinpointing areas where her reputation and policies may be susceptible to criticism.

According to James Johnson, J.L. Partners co-founder, the survey underscores potential weaknesses in Harris's campaign.

He said, “voters think Harris is responsible for more of the bad things that have happened under Biden than the good.

“That suggests the attack line that we heard in Trump's closing statement at the debate in response to her plans, 'why didn't you do any of this' will be effective.

“Given VPs don't have much power and historically don't have much impact on anything at all, that is an achievement the Trump campaign will be pleased with especially in an election where voters want change from the status quo.”

The Trump campaign has been facing an uphill battle since President Biden's surprise withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, catapulting Kamala Harris to the top of the ticket. This sudden shift has given Harris a significant boost in both polling and fundraising, making her a formidable opponent.

Harris's campaign has gained tremendous momentum, with her presidential campaign raising an impressive $81 million in small-dollar donations within the first 24 hours, the highest single-day total for any presidential candidate in history. By August 1, just ten days after launching her campaign, Harris had secured $310 million in small-dollar donations through ActBlue. Her fundraising efforts have been further bolstered by high-profile supporters, including John Doerr, Reid Hoffman, and Tom Steyer, who attended a private fundraiser in San Francisco.

The Harris campaign's momentum is also reflected in her polling numbers, with a significant majority of Democrats rallying behind her. Her campaign has framed the 2024 election as “a choice between freedom and chaos,” emphasizing her experience as an attorney general and prosecutor to “prosecute the case” against Trump. Harris is running as a moderate Democrat, with policy positions aligned with Biden's, and a focus on reproductive healthcare, criminal justice, and civil rights issues.