Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has recently advised former President Donald Trump to shift his campaign focus away from the size of Vice President Kamala Harris’s rally crowds and instead concentrate on her record and policy decisions. McCarthy’s recommendation, reported by The Hill on August 12, 2024, emphasizes a strategic approach to the 2024 presidential race.
In a Fox News interview, McCarthy stressed the need for a campaign strategy grounded in substance rather than spectacle. “You’ve got to make this race not on personalities,” McCarthy said. “Stop questioning the size of her crowds and start questioning her position, when it comes to: What did she do as [California] attorney general on crime? … What did she do when she was supposed to take care of the border as a czar?”
McCarthy, who has a longstanding relationship with Trump, suggested that Trump should critique Harris’s record, focusing on her tenure as California’s attorney general and her role as the Biden administration’s border czar. McCarthy highlighted Harris’s involvement in significant legislative matters, particularly those related to inflation, where she played a pivotal role as the tiebreaking vote.
“This is a perfect person to run against,” McCarthy remarked, pointing out Harris’s shifting policy positions and her controversial role in key legislative decisions. He urged Trump to utilize Harris’s own words and positions against her to make a compelling case to voters.
Trump, however, has predominantly targeted the size of Harris’s rally crowds, alleging that her campaign inflates these numbers. Over the weekend, Trump used his Truth Social platform to claim that footage of Harris’s supporters was manipulated using artificial intelligence. “There was nobody at the plane, and she ‘A.I.’d’ it, and showed a massive ‘crowd’ of so-called followers, BUT THEY DIDN’T EXIST!” Trump posted, further accusing Harris of fabricating crowd sizes at her speeches.
Harris’s campaign has dismissed these claims, asserting the authenticity of the images and rallying support on social media. “1) This is an actual photo of a 15,000-person crowd for Harris-Walz in Michigan,” the KamalaHQ account stated. “2) Trump has still not campaigned in a swing state in over a week… Low energy?”
McCarthy’s advice comes at a pivotal moment in the 2024 race, with both parties working hard to sway voters in battleground states. Harris continues to draw large crowds at her events, underscoring her influence and campaign strength.
McCarthy’s call for Trump to refocus on Harris’s record aligns with broader Republican critiques of her handling of criminal justice and immigration issues. During her time as California’s attorney general, Harris faced scrutiny for her positions on police misconduct and marijuana legalization. Additionally, her role in addressing border issues and key economic policies has been a focal point for critics.
As the election approaches, Trump’s campaign faces the challenge of balancing attacks on Harris’s policy record with his focus on rally dynamics. McCarthy’s strategic advice could shape how Trump addresses these issues moving forward, aiming to turn the campaign’s attention to Harris’s policy decisions and legislative impact.
