At a rally in Waunakee, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, Donald Trump embraced his persona from his reality television days, declaring that his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, “wouldn’t have won The Apprentice.” With his signature catchphrase, he told the audience, “Kamala, you’re fired!” as he rallied support from voters in this crucial swing state. His remarks aimed to undermine Harris’s credibility while energizing his base ahead of the November election.
Focus on Economic Issues
Trump’s speech primarily addressed economic concerns, an area of significant interest among voters. He criticized current inflation rates and pledged to eliminate taxes on tips and overtime pay, asserting, “Inflation, we can solve it.” He emphasized the need for action to restore Americans’ purchasing power, positioning himself as the solution to the financial difficulties many are facing.
Despite the economic focus, Trump frequently interjected self-aggrandizing comments, boasting about the size of his crowds and his connections with figures like Elon Musk. His address also included warnings about global instability, specifically referencing Iran’s missile strikes on Israel, and he expressed fears regarding the potential for World War III.
Condemnation of Biden and Harris
Trump did not shy away from strong language when discussing President Biden and Harris, describing them as “grossly incompetent” in managing U.S. military affairs. He warned, “And now we have them in charge of potentially world war three. World war three – it’s going to be like no other if it happens, because of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction that nobody’s ever seen before.”
His rhetoric extended to the ongoing immigration crisis, where he claimed that migrants were “taking over our small towns and cities.” In an unexpected turn, he seemed to express sympathy for New York City’s Democratic Mayor, Eric Adams, who has faced allegations of accepting bribes. Trump echoed Adams’s sentiment that he was being politically persecuted for opposing the Biden administration’s handling of migration, stating, “If you fight it, you get indicted.”
Political Strategy and Upcoming Debates
Trump’s comments come as he continues to target Harris over her economic policies. This rally coincided with a debate among vice-presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz, where voters expressed a desire to hear their stances on immigration and economic issues. A CBS News/YouGov poll indicated that these topics are top priorities for voters as the election approaches.
A Harris poll conducted for the Guardian revealed that 66% of respondents identified the cost of living as their primary economic concern. As inflation reached a staggering 9.1% in the summer of 2022—a 40-year high—Americans have felt the pinch in their purchasing power. Concerns extend beyond rising grocery and gasoline prices to housing costs, which are crucial for Democrats in swing states like Nevada. In Las Vegas, the median home price skyrocketed from $345,000 in August 2020 to $480,000 in August 2024.
Contrasting Economic Policies
Although inflation has shown signs of decreasing, Harris has introduced a series of proposals aimed at alleviating housing costs and increasing access to homeownership. Nevertheless, Trump and his allies have seized upon economic challenges as an opportunity to reinforce their campaign message that Americans’ lives have worsened under Democratic leadership.
At a recent rally in Newton, Pennsylvania, Vance claimed, without providing evidence, that Harris had played a role in exacerbating the economy and suggested that the influx of immigrants was linked to rising housing costs. He stated, “The problem with Kamala Harris is that she’s got no substance. The problem with Kamala Harris is that she’s got no plan. And the problem with Kamala Harris is that she has been the vice-president for three and a half years and has failed this country.”
Despite Trump’s attempts to undermine Harris’s economic credibility, the Guardian poll indicated that many Americans favor her economic policies. The survey included twelve proposals—six from Trump and six from Harris—without disclosing their sources. Among the most popular ideas was a federal prohibition on price-gouging for groceries, which garnered support from 44% of respondents, despite criticism from some economists.
