On the latest, nice to see Trump losing his mind on Socials as ever. Yes big DJT, Harris used AI to simulate an event covered by every major news source - with cameras - in the world. Pretty advanced stuff. I like that the Harris campaign just hit back with videos. If he's focussed on his ahem, crowd sizes, then the Dems will win. I think JD Vance's days are numbered, as Trump relies on big media shocks to readjust things. Personally I'm terrified for whatever random October surprise they have planned this time. Given it's a female minority candidate, you can bet it'll try to feature sex and illegality. Find some patsy willing to say Harris slept with him in exchange for passing the (second) bar exam or something, only for voters to discover the day after the election that he never even went to law school.
Really interesting stuff in a podcast called 'The Wilderness' where they speak to panels certain demos on various political issues. I think the lessons are good:
- Talking about Trump on issues is pointless. Everyone on both sides has made their mind up. Doesn't matter what his latest crime/statement is. The best attack is to make him seem a buffon and small.
- You can't convince people about Democracy being at stake. It's like climate change, it doesn't work in messaging, it's too nebulous and big.
- Therefore, you focus on specific, easy-to-grasp issues. Abortion. Health care. Child care etc. It's been really successful in getting down-ballot dems elected all over the country
- Turnout is king, so the volunteering, fund-raising and registering efforts are absolutely crucial. Get your crazy Aunt out to vote, or your lazy friend etc. Easiest way to win is to get non-voters to show up.
- They couldn't get decent answers on Project 25 because people thought it was too insane to be real. The panel literally wouldn't believe the policies until they were shown the document itself and read it verbatim. Dems really should keep pushing on this, especially given how tight the Trump campaign is tied to key members of it.
Finally, I was just really encouraged by how plugged in at least those groups are. Gives me some hope the Dems might have a plan that can win. At the moment for me it's still a big toss-up, I think the electoral college is harder for Harris than (a fit and firing) Biden, she's currently on a bump and there will be a 'surprise' that will try to shake the margins. Plus the economy teetering is genuinely worrying.