Donald Trump may not be physically in Chicago, but his influence is felt everywhere, and it’s clear he’s closely monitoring the unfolding events. As Kamala Harris prepares for her speech on Thursday, a few of Trump’s aides, perhaps not entirely convincingly, claim he isn’t watching the Democratic National Convention, dismissing it as a “Democratic Party infomercial.”
However, a senior campaign official, who requested anonymity, confirms that Trump is indeed watching and is growing increasingly frustrated by the criticisms directed at him. According to one ally who speaks with the former president weekly, Trump’s path to victory in November hinges on maintaining focus on the economy, the border, and crime.
At the beginning of the week, this approach seemed feasible. Trump had planned a series of rallies in Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, and Arizona, each designed to spotlight these key issues. Yet, as the convention’s anti-Trump rhetoric continues night after night in Chicago, staying on message has become increasingly difficult, and it appears it’s not even what his supporters are urging him to focus on.
There have already been a few incidents this week. Late Wednesday night, Trump took to social media to slam Democratic Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who had delivered a stirring speech earlier. Trump clearly took issue with Shapiro’s remarks.
“The highly overrated Jewish Governor of the Great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, made a really bad and poorly delivered speech,” Trump posted. “I have done more for Israel than any President…Shapiro has done nothing for Israel, and never will.”
Trump’s reference to Shapiro’s Jewish heritage did not go unnoticed, with US morning shows highlighting it as an example of a racial dog whistle.
Following the Obamas’ criticisms of Trump at the DNC on Tuesday night, Trump hit back during his rally in North Carolina, again employing similar racial undertones. “Did you see Barack Hussein Obama last night?” Trump asked. “He was taking shots at your president. And so was Michelle.”
While it’s true the Obamas made pointed criticisms, Trump’s mention of Obama’s middle name has long been used to evoke racial tensions.
The challenge for Trump’s team is that their candidate’s penchant for controversy often overshadows their efforts to critique his opponent’s policy positions. “It doesn’t matter what he discusses for 45 minutes,” one adviser confided, requesting anonymity. “One comment or answer to a question gives the left all they need to shift the focus.”
