Trump’s ‘Winning Formula’ Includes ‘Fewer Insults’

In a recent interview, Kellyanne Conway, a former advisor to Donald Trump, shared her insights on how the GOP presidential nominee can enhance his campaign. She advised Trump to reduce the number of personal jabs directed at his opponents and concentrate more on discussing policy differences that resonate with voters.

Conway expressed her thoughts to Fox Business anchor Larry Kudlow, stating, “The winning formula for President Trump is very plain to see. It’s fewer insults, more insights and that policy contrast.” This suggestion comes at a time when Trump has been publicly targeting Vice President Kamala Harris, who has emerged as a significant contender in the race.

Polling data indicates that Harris and Trump are nearly in a dead heat, with The Hill/Decision Desk HQ’s polling index showing Harris slightly leading Trump by 1.4 points, garnering 47.8 percent compared to Trump’s 46.4 percent.

During the discussion, Conway also noted Trump’s return to the confident demeanor he exhibited during the 2016 campaign. “He’s got that hunger, swagger, underdog, underestimated of 2016 back. And you overlay that with the four-year presidential record where we did have growth,” she added, highlighting achievements such as wage growth and low unemployment during his presidency.

Recently, Trump faced backlash for remarks he made regarding Harris’s racial identity during a controversial interview last month, which took place at the National Association of Black Journalists’ convention in Chicago. These comments drew criticism not only from Harris’s supporters but also from some of Trump’s allies.

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a known Trump supporter, advised the former president against persistently questioning Harris’s background. “The problem I have with Kamala Harris is not her heritage. It is her judgment,” Graham stated earlier this month, emphasizing the importance of focusing on policy rather than personal attacks. He suggested that by dwelling on her heritage, Trump inadvertently shifted attention away from Harris’s political record, which he described as “terrible” and “dangerous.”

Graham encouraged Trump to take a different approach, saying, “I would encourage President Trump to prosecute the case against Kamala Harris’s bad judgment.” This pivot towards more substantial critiques of Harris’s policies aligns with Conway’s advice to Trump, which emphasizes the importance of a campaign focusing on concrete issues rather than personal skirmishes.

As Harris has gained traction as the Democratic nominee, she has received numerous endorsements from prominent party members and has demonstrated her fundraising capabilities. Her rise in the Democratic ranks coincided with President Biden’s withdrawal from the election, a decision influenced by increasing pressure from fellow Democrats.

The rapid developments in the race highlight the shifting dynamics within the Republican and Democratic parties as both sides prepare for the upcoming election. Harris’s momentum could present new challenges for Trump as he navigates his campaign strategies.

As the election approaches, the focus on policy contrasts becomes crucial for both candidates. With Conway’s suggestion to Trump, it remains to be seen how he will adapt his approach in light of the changing political landscape.

The Hill has reached out for comments regarding the Trump campaign’s strategies moving forward, signaling the continuing evolution of this pivotal electoral contest.