Is Trump right?
Donald Trump has raised significant concerns about Kamala Harris’s legitimacy as a presidential contender, arguing that her rise to the Democratic nomination, despite not winning the party’s primary, undermines democratic principles.
In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump labeled Harris as the “Weakest Presidential Candidate in History on Crime.” He criticized her record on border security, asserting that her policies have led to unprecedented levels of illegal immigration, including individuals from prisons and mental institutions, and even potential terrorists.
Trump’s critique is rooted in his broader view that Harris’s path to the presidency is questionable. He pointed out that Harris, who was soundly defeated in her bid for the 2020 Democratic nomination and dropped out before the Iowa caucuses due to fundraising challenges, did not secure any primary votes. Her sudden elevation to the presumed Democratic nominee following President Biden’s withdrawal is, in Trump’s view, a troubling development for American democracy.
Biden, who had won the Democratic primary, exited the race on July 21 amid growing concerns about his age and cognitive abilities. He endorsed Harris shortly thereafter, which swiftly positioned her as the leading candidate for the Democrats.
Trump further labeled Harris’s ascent as a “coup,” echoing sentiments from a recent press conference in Arizona, where he expressed his disapproval of how Biden was effectively removed from the race. He argued that the manner in which Biden was sidelined and Harris’s subsequent nomination reflects poorly on the democratic process.
Recent polling data from FiveThirtyEight shows Harris with a slight edge over Trump, holding a 3.7-point lead. However, Trump gained momentum when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. partially withdrew from the 2024 race, advising his supporters to back Trump in critical battleground states while continuing his campaign in solidly partisan areas. Kennedy’s strategic shift has the potential to impact the dynamics of the upcoming election.