Republicans are struggling to find a consistent line of attack against Kamala Harris as they ramp up their anti-Harris campaign.
Recent criticisms from Republicans have targeted Harris for her handling of immigration, her past as a prosecutor, and her demeanor, with some calling her names like “radical, left lunatic” and “nasty.” Trump’s allies have accused her of hiding Biden’s decline or being a different version of Biden. Some attacks have been explicitly racist and sexist, while others have focused on trivial issues like her laughter or consumer policies she supports.
The lack of cohesion in the Republican assault on Harris reflects the challenge of adjusting to a new candidate who differs from the previous target they had been preparing to run against. Despite claims that their strategy won’t change with Harris in the race, Republicans have been all over the map with their attacks on her.
Some Republicans have focused on defining Harris as a progressive politician from San Francisco, criticizing her stance on crime and other issues. Others have targeted her handling of immigration, although keeping a disciplined message on this topic has proven difficult. Trump has accused Harris of wanting to defund the police and being too lenient on some criminals but harsh on political enemies.
Overall, Republicans are trying out different messages to see what resonates with voters, with more attacks likely to come. The lack of a settled attack line on Harris reflects the early stage of her campaign and the uncertainty about which criticisms will be most effective.
Ultimately, both Republicans and Democrats face the challenge of defining Kamala Harris in a way that resonates with voters, making her candidacy a key issue for both parties in the upcoming election.
