Trump’s campaign focuses on Biden despite Harris challenge

President Biden and I stand together in our fight to build a nation where every American has the freedom to thrive. pic.twitter.com/adoDeaSbHY

— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) August 20, 2024

President Donald Trump’s campaign continues to focus on President Joe Biden, even as it sharpens attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris. During a recent business roundtable in York, Pennsylvania, Trump delivered policy-focused remarks while his campaign orchestrated events in swing states to counterprogram the Democratic convention. An advisor noted Trump’s fixation on Biden, saying it was unlikely he would miss Biden’s speech at the convention. Trump’s social media posts have criticized Biden’s decisions and the alleged pressure that led to them. In York, Trump addressed about 150 people in a manufacturing plant.

.@KamalaHarris and @Tim_Walz understand that this nation must continue to be a place of possibilities—not just for a few of us, but for all of us.

Join me in promising your whole heart to this effort. That’s where my heart will be.https://t.co/FKzIXhmOeg

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 20, 2024

His remarks largely adhered to economic and energy policies, though he added commentary about a House Republican report advocating Biden’s impeachment.

In 2024 we need you to vote.

We need you to keep the Senate.

We need you to win back the House.

And above all else, we need you to beat Donald Trump.

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 20, 2024

Trump used the report to bolster his narrative against Biden, declaring, “They don’t call him ‘Crooked Joe’ for no reason.” Trump also targeted Harris, making personal attacks and questioning her ideological roots. He erroneously attributed Marxist beliefs to her father and falsely claimed that Harris only recently embraced her Black identity. Trump criticized Harris’ economic policies, labeling them a “regulatory jihad” against American power plants.

Thank you, @JoeBiden, for your historic leadership and for all you continue to do.

We are forever grateful. pic.twitter.com/vrQSnBVTWv

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 20, 2024

He repeated inaccuracies about his own legal troubles involving classified documents, falsely asserting his exoneration by a federal judge. In a region heavily reliant on natural gas, Trump criticized Harris for her previous support for a fracking ban, even though her current stance no longer calls for such a prohibition. His attacks aim to appeal to local voters concerned about the impact of such policies on their livelihoods.

Trump’s continued focus on Biden

Despite having a new Democratic opponent in Harris, Trump continues to direct much of his campaign rhetoric toward Biden, who is no longer in the race. This pattern was evident during a conversation with Elon Musk on Monday night. Trump has characterized Biden’s exit from the race as a “coup,” despite Democratic unity behind Harris’ candidacy. He has painted the transition as underhanded, though there is no substantial pushback from the Democratic camp on this leadership change. During a campaign appearance, Trump stated, “We have somebody that hasn’t received one vote for president and she’s running.” He also inaccurately claimed that Democrats would have used the 25th Amendment to remove Biden if he had not willingly stepped down. Trump has speculated that Harris could be replaced or that Biden might make a “comeback,” although these scenarios have no factual backing. He continues to recycle his attack lines used against Biden, labeling Harris as “worse” and “more radical” than the current president. The Trump campaign has stressed Harris’ limited media availability since becoming the nominee, contrasting it with Trump’s own frequent media interactions. Trump held a news conference in Palm Beach, Florida last week, and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, has been active in speaking to the press. Even with Harris as his main rival, Trump’s campaign has not significantly shifted focus, continuing to target Biden while also scrutinizing Harris’ record and policies. This evolving narrative will undoubtedly shape the discourse leading up to the election, as political figures and the electorate alike navigate this unprecedented situation.