Three Significant Challenges Donald Trump Faces in the US Election
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are facing intense scrutiny in the final two months of the US election campaign.
Just over a month ago, it appeared almost certain that the former president would make a return to the White House after surviving an assassination attempt and Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance.
However, with the introduction of Ms Harris as the replacement for the current president, his campaign has been brought back to reality: recent polling has shown her surging, turning what seemed like an easy win for Mr Trump into a competitive race.
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With less than two months left until the election, here are three key challenges facing the former president…
Project 2025
“Project 2025” is a blueprint for government that critics say would institutionalize Trumpism.
It is a plan created by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think-tank in Washington DC, made up mostly of former employees and officials from the Trump administration.
Despite involvement of key allies, Mr Trump claims ignorance of Project 2025 and its origins.
The plan aims to reshape the US government, enhancing presidential power and turning it into an ultra-conservative institution. It includes proposals to put federal agencies under direct presidential control, dismantle certain departments, and further restrict abortion rights.
The Harris campaign is using Project 2025 to appeal to moderate voters, portraying it as an extremist agenda for a future Trump administration.
Dan Kanninen, the campaign’s battleground states director, stated to NBC News: “We are reaching out to those Americans who are turned off by Trump’s extremism, ensuring they know they have a place in vice president Harris’s campaign.”
Criminality
Being involved in criminal activities can only take someone so far.
Trump’s criminal conviction in New York has rallied his base behind claims of innocence and victimhood, aligning with his anti-establishment narrative.
However, the impact of this on his broader support remains to be seen in the lead-up to the election.
The repercussions of his criminal actions, confirmed and alleged, are yet to unfold in the remaining two months before the election.
Developments in the January 6 election subversion case may contribute to the Democrats’ stance that Democracy is at risk under Trump’s leadership.
Trump’s sentencing in New York has been postponed until after the election, along with a ruling on presidential immunity for official acts by the Supreme Court.
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The outcome of these legal proceedings may shape public perception and impact the election results.
For now, Trump is relying on doubt surrounding these processes to minimize their influence on voters.
Abortion and reproductive rights
Abortion is a significant issue in this election, and Trump’s stance on the matter is under scrutiny.
While Trump has previously stated that abortion rights should be decided by individual states, recent statements have caused confusion over his position.
He has made contradictory remarks about abortion laws in Florida and proposed government coverage for IVF treatments, despite his previous actions affecting access to such treatments.
Opponents accuse him of pandering on abortion issues for political gain, labeling him a threat to reproductive freedom and women’s healthcare.
The topic of reproductive rights is pivotal in this election and played a significant role in Democratic victories during the 2022 primaries.
Trump is navigating a delicate balance between conflicting views on abortion to appeal to diverse voter demographics.
While evangelicals supported his campaign, women voters also hold reproductive rights as a priority, posing a challenge for Trump to align with both groups.