Joe Biden dropping out of the presidential race was the worst thing to happen to Donald Trump. He went from being a sure winner to a flop in a matter of days thanks to Kamala Harris’ better appeal, frankly.
He simply cannot compete, I’m afraid.
He lost the election right there. It’s not even up for debate at this point, but it’s almost heartwarming to see Trump still in the game, swinging wildly as if things might suddenly turn around.
The September 10 debate was the first real showdown. Kamala came in strong. She didn’t hesitate to shake hands with Trump in front of millions, a sign that she was there to dominate.
From the start, Kamala hit Trump with sharp points, and he responded like he usually does. You know, anger and deflection.
The media was all over this, and the post-debate polls weren’t kind to the former president at all.
CNN reported that two-thirds of viewers believed Kamala won. Even some Republicans had to admit Kamala outperformed Trump, with many admitting how unprepared and off-balance their candidate looked.
On YouGov, just 31% backed Trump after the debate. And Reuters showed that only 24% stood behind his performance.
Of course, Trump, true to form, wasn’t having it. He fired back, claiming he won every poll—just not the scientific ones. His claims were based on self-reported polls, which of course didn’t align with any credible data.
Right now, Kamala holds a 48.5% approval rating, while Trump sits at 45.9%. That 2.6-point lead might not seem huge, but it’s growing.
Just a week earlier, Kamala only led by 0.9%. Her momentum is undeniable.
In key battleground states, Trump is struggling even more. Like in Pennsylvania, a state he won in 2016 and 2020, now seems to want Kamala.
She holds a narrow but alarming four-point lead there, and it’s thanks to demographic support from black, female, and young voters.
To make matters worse, Trump has refused to get in any more debates with Kamala, saying it’s “too late” to make a difference. She, however, invited him publicly, excited for a second round.
This refusal isn’t sitting well with some voters. Many see it as Trump trying to avoid another loss and admitting the first one.
Analysts are pointing out that his strategy is backfiring. Instead of taking Kamala on, he continues to attack Joe Biden.
It’s not the best look when your opponent is standing on stage ready to debate, and you’re rehashing old battles.
Come on now, Trump!
Meanwhile, just a week ago, he survived a second assassination attempt at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was found with a rifle, but Secret Service agents intervened before any shots were fired. Routh was arrested and charged with illegal possession of a firearm.
Initially, there was public concern for Trump’s safety, as there had been after the first attempt in July. However, it lacked the same impact the second around.
Trump was seen playing golf when it happened, a far cry from the defiant image he projected after the first attempt.
There were no rousing speeches or images of him standing strong with his supporters. Just a rich, white man on a golf course.
Independent voters, in particular, don’t seem moved by Trump’s plight. His leadership style, which relies on bombast and division, isn’t winning over those looking for stability.
Meanwhile, Kamala is benefiting from the perception that she’s a competent and steady leader. Her favorability ratings have been climbing steadily, while Trump’s fluctuate with each misstep.
And of course he has continued to push the narrative that Democrats are rigging the election. This belief has been central to his campaign since 2020, when he claimed widespread voter fraud cost him the presidency.
Despite numerous investigations proving otherwise, the election denial movement hasn’t lost steam.
Republicans often cite past claims from Democrats, like Hillary Clinton’s remarks about the 2016 election being stolen, to justify it.
The Republican National Committee has been mobilizing poll watchers and lawyers in key battleground states under the guise of ensuring “election integrity.”
Social media plays a huge role in keeping these election rigging claims alive. Twitter and Facebook are flooded with posts and memes pushing the idea that the Dems are cheating.
In the end, Trump’s battle for the presidency is looking more desperate by the day. He’s still fighting, but the numbers are against him, the public is losing faith, and his strategy is faltering.
Whether he can turn things around before election day remains to be seen, but right now, it’s not looking good.
