Former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has endorsed Republican former President Donald Trump’s campaign and is advising him to focus on Vice President Kamala Harris’ policy shifts in their upcoming debate. Gabbard, who is part of a small group of Trump advisers, believes that Harris is trying to distance herself from her past positions and record. Drawing on her experience from the 2020 Democratic primary debates, Gabbard is uniquely suited to help Trump understand how to debate Harris effectively.
During the 2019 Democratic primary debates, Gabbard criticized Harris for her record as a prosecutor, particularly regarding marijuana violations and cash bail. Now, Republicans are hoping that Trump can use similar tactics to rattle Harris, even though the focus may be on different topics. Gabbard believes that Harris is attempting to hide her true positions and actions from voters, presenting a facade of moderate views while her record suggests otherwise. Harris’ policy platform in the 2024 general election has shifted more towards the center than the left, particularly on issues like fracking and immigration.
While taking Gabbard’s advice might yield potential rewards for Trump in the debate, it also carries risks. Gabbard shares Trump’s conspiratorial views of the Biden administration and often accuses the White House of targeting political opponents, including herself. Trump may risk drawing attention to his legal battles or alienating undecided voters if he embraces these conspiratorial themes on the debate stage. However, surrogates like Gabbard and former Democrat turned third-party presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who endorsed Trump after dropping out of the race, allow Trump to present his campaign as a refuge for independents and Democratic defectors.
The Trump campaign has added Gabbard and RFK Jr. to its official transition team and is reportedly considering them for potential cabinet positions if Trump wins the White House. By aligning himself with figures like Gabbard, Trump can reinforce his image as a candidate who appeals to a broad spectrum of voters, including disenchanted Democrats. It remains to be seen how Trump will incorporate Gabbard’s advice on how to debate Harris and whether it will help him gain an edge in the upcoming debate. As the election season continues, it will be interesting to see how Trump leverages endorsements and support from individuals like Gabbard to strengthen his campaign.
