Friday, August 30, 2024
The Democratic National Convention is over, but how about Kamala Harris’ honeymoon?
Election campaigns are about drawing the lines of distinction, and Donald Trump and Republicans have to get their act together if they are serious about winning the election.
In my experience as a political advisor during the past seventeen years, I have witnessed repeatedly that the more honest one is in communicating differences between candidates, the more effective a communication strategy is. In other words, Republicans should not attack Harris for something that she can easily deny such as not being black, for example. There is no question that she has Jamaican and Indian roots.
Of course one would use focus group research as a basis to make such strategic decisions, but I’m pretty sure that accusing someone for their laughter is a flawed tactic. In fact, it says more about Donald Trump than about Kamala Harris. It may get emotional reactions at a campaign rally, but campaign rallies rarely decide elections. Swing voters do and I’m dubious that ridiculing Harris for her laughter will earn points with suburban women.
Instead, Donald Trump and Republicans should highlight a point or position she truly stands for but that is unpopular with voters. As a hint, Harris is obviously part of the Biden/Harris administration, and in every poll I have seen a majority of voters disapprove of the job Joe Biden does and an even bigger majority thinks that the country is off the wrong track.
From a message strategy point of view, Donald Trump should be talking about the economy and the border. Any minute spent talking about something else is a waste of time and a distraction.
You can also watch the latest video on the topic by clicking here.
For more information, or to schedule an interview with Dr. Louis Perron, please contact Kevin McVicker at Shirley & McVicker Public Affairs at (703) 739-5920 or kmcvicker@shirleyandmcvicker.com.