Politics Today: Donald Trump Doubles Down, Kamala Harris Fights Back, J.D. Vance Visits Border

August 2, 2024
2 mins read
Facts matter. Truth matters. And in the last 24 hours, we've seen a political spectacle involving Donald Trump and Kamala Harris that would make P.T. Barnum blush.
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Facts matter. Truth matters. And in the last 24 hours, we’ve seen a political spectacle involving Donald Trump and Kamala Harris that would make P.T. Barnum blush.

Trump’s Racial Rhetoric Resurfaces

Donald Trump, the former president and current Republican frontrunner, has reignited controversy with unfounded claims about Vice President Kamala Harris’s racial identity, claiming the Vice-President always identified as Indian but then suddenly ‘happened to turn black.’

Senators from both parties have condemned the remarks, proving that even in Washington, there’s a line you shouldn’t cross.This is a reboot of Trump’s claims about President Barack Obama being from Kenya, which launched Trump’s political career.

Harris responded by calling Trump’s comments “the same old show.”


Vance’s Border Bluster

J.D. Vance, Trump’s VP pick, has been busy auditioning for the role of border hawk. He toured the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona, promising to resurrect Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy. Vance also claimed Harris is the “border czar,” pinning the Biden Administration’s border policy on Harris.


The ‘Weird’ Strategy

The Harris campaign, not to be outdone in the name-calling department, has launched a new strategy. They’re branding Trump and Vance as “weird.” It’s an interesting choice of words. One might wonder if they consulted a focus group of middle schoolers for this groundbreaking political insight.

Despite the gradeschool nature of the claim. It is having an impact. For conservatives who value conformity regardless of race, creed, or culture, being called “weird” is the ultimate slap in the face and it has put the Trump team and Trump himself on the defensive.


Money Talks

On the financial front, Trump’s campaign reported raising $138.7 million in July. Impressive, until you hear that Harris raised $310 million in the same period. Especially considering that Harris wasn’t the candidate until — checks notes — two weeks ago.


Schumer’s Legislative Move

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, apparently feeling left out of the headlines, has introduced legislation reaffirming that presidents don’t have immunity for criminal actions.This, of course, is in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling that presidents have immunity — kind of, sort of — you know, if it is an official action and maybe a non-official action and if the sun is hitting the earth at just the right angle, maybe.


In New York, an appeals court upheld a gag order in Trump’s hush money case. It seems the former president’s right to remain silent is being strongly encouraged by the judicial system. The gag order is in place until Trump’s sentencing in September. Speaking of that sentences, The Republican Party would like to remind you that this is a witch hunt and fake news and The Democratic Party would like to remind you that Trump is a convicted felon.

The Bottom Line

So, what does all this mean? It means we’re in for a long, strange trip for the remainder the 2024 election. While Rome may not be burning, someone’s definitely playing with matches.

But here’s the thing: Behind all this political theater are real issues affecting real Americans. Immigration policy, racial justice, economic stability – these aren’t just talking points. They’re the meat and potatoes of governance, currently being served with a hefty side of circus peanuts.

As we move forward, will voters demand substance over spectacle, facts, not fiction, policy, not personality? Or will voters continue their recent history of cheering for politicians as though this were all a football game. The choice is up to you. Politicians respond to the voters. If you think it’s a circus and want it to change, that’s in your power.

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