After years of defiance, insults, and disregard for the rule of law, Donald Trump has shown he won’t be restrained. Despite this, some of his supporters are still urging the twice-impeached and criminally convicted former president to tone down his behavior to avoid jeopardizing his 2024 election chances.
In an attempt to refocus Trump, his campaign is shifting toward more policy speeches, town halls, and rallies in battleground states, according to CNN. This effort comes as he faces stiff competition from Kamala Harris in a race reshaped by the political landscape. Trump is set to visit key “blue wall” states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin this week. The change in strategy follows the success of last week’s Democratic National Convention and Harris’ steady start to her campaign, which has so far posed a more serious threat to Trump than Joe Biden’s, as Biden’s age has been a growing concern.
With the election looming, Trump’s team has ramped up the pace of his campaign, preparing him for a critical debate with Harris on September 10.
**A New Focus vs. Democratic Optimism**
Trump’s allies and campaign staff are urging him to adopt a more serious tone. Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Trump supporter, emphasized this on CNN’s “State of the Union,” arguing that the Democrats’ optimistic and hopeful message is out of touch with reality. Graham criticized the current economic hardships — from rising grocery and gas prices to soaring mortgage rates — and implored Trump to contrast his presidency with the current situation to offer hope for change.
**A Battle with His Own Instincts**
Graham’s plea reflects a common struggle among top Republicans. Many continue to support Trump due to his grip on the party base but worry that his unpredictable behavior undermines their cause and his own chances. Despite calls to moderate his tone, Trump has consistently prioritized his own style of brash self-promotion, vengeance, and threats, which helped him rise to power in 2016. Those urging him to temper his rhetoric are, in effect, asking him to abandon the very tactics that define his political identity.
Frustration is growing within Republican circles. Many believe the path to defeating Harris is clear — focusing on key issues such as inflation and border security, where Republicans traditionally have an advantage. However, Trump’s policies often get overshadowed by his fiery outbursts and social media tirades.
**Trump’s Resistance to Change**
Trump appears aware of these concerns but remains unconvinced. At a recent rally in Arizona, he playfully mocked those advising him to focus on policy rather than personality, polling the crowd for their thoughts on whether he should heed the advice. He sarcastically remarked that his advisers, though well-paid, didn’t seem to understand that being nice wouldn’t stop his opponents from attacking him. Still, he vaguely promised to “do his best.”
**Harris Tightens the Pressure**
The race is now entering its final stretch, and Harris has made a significant shift in strategy. After months of Joe Biden framing Trump as a threat to democracy, Harris, backed by former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, has begun ridiculing Trump as an unserious figure, setting a trap for him. In her Democratic National Convention speech, Harris called Trump “unserious” but warned that his return to the White House would have “serious” consequences. As expected, Trump’s immediate and chaotic social media reaction seemed to validate her claim.
The question now remains whether Trump will adjust his approach in time to salvage his campaign, or if his trademark bluster will lead to his political undoing.
(CNN)