Trump Says Harris Born 'Mentally Impaired'
Former President Donald Trump took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris during a speech in Wisconsin, accusing her of being "mentally impaired" from birth.
Trump's remarks and his tongue-in-cheek diagnosis of the vice president highlight his continued opposition to the Biden administration, with a focus on Harris's role in current domestic and foreign policy issues, as Breitbart reports.
During his speech, Trump did not mince words, stating, "Joe Biden became mentally impaired. Kamala was born that way."
He further suggested that only someone he described as "mentally disabled" could have allowed the country to reach its current state. This pointed criticism was part of a broader discussion in which Trump blamed the Biden-Harris administration for soaring prices, challenges at the southern border, and the handling of foreign policy, including the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Biden Delegates Key Responsibilities to Harris
President Joe Biden, earlier in the week, commented on Harris's role, stating that he had entrusted her with significant responsibilities, including foreign and domestic policy. Biden's remarks were part of an ongoing effort by the administration to bolster confidence in Harris, as her popularity has historically been low compared to previous Vice Presidents.
Critics of Harris have long argued that she lacks authenticity and will say or do anything to maintain her political career. Some, like commentator Greg Price, have pointed to media efforts as a reason for Harris’s recent rise in approval ratings, rather than any substantive change in her performance or policies. "Nothing about Kamala Harris has changed," Price stated. "The media machine has kicked into overdrive."
Public Perception of Harris's Political Persona
Public opinion of Harris has been divided throughout her vice presidency. According to a recent Economist/YouGov poll, 48% of Americans believe that Harris says what she thinks people want to hear, while only 36% think she speaks based on her genuine beliefs. These perceptions have contributed to her historically low approval ratings, which hit a record net negative of -17 during her time in office.
However, recent months have seen a significant shift in Harris’s approval rating. In January 2024, her approval stood at 28%, but by July, it had increased to 32%.
As of now, her approval rating has climbed to 48%, marking a notable 16-point increase over just two months. This change has sparked debate among both her critics and supporters about the reasons behind her rising popularity.
Trump and Critics Focus on Policy Failures
Trump’s speech in Wisconsin focused heavily on policy issues, including the rising cost of living and inflation. He placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of Harris and the Biden administration.
According to Trump, Harris's handling of the situation at the southern border has been particularly egregious, with immigration and border control remaining a point of contention for many Americans.
Foreign policy was another focal point in Trump's criticism. He called out the Biden-Harris administration for what he views as a disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, which he claimed led to global instability and emboldened adversaries. He also touched on the war between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting that a stronger administration could have prevented or mitigated the conflict.
Ongoing Criticism of Harris's Leadership
Critics like Greg Price have questioned the sincerity of Harris's political persona, accusing her of a willingness to compromise taxpayer and military interests for political gain.
Price's comments echo a broader sentiment among detractors who argue that Harris has not demonstrated effective leadership during her time in office.
Despite these criticisms, Harris's rising approval rating suggests that some Americans may be warming to her. However, whether this increase is due to genuine improvements in her performance or external factors, such as media coverage, remains a topic of debate.
Conclusion: A Divisive Figure in American Politics
In summary, Donald Trump's recent remarks about Kamala Harris have reignited discussions about her role in the Biden administration and her effectiveness as Vice President.
While Trump and his supporters continue to criticize her handling of key issues like immigration, inflation, and foreign policy, Harris's approval rating has seen a sharp increase, rising to 48% in recent months.
Critics argue that her rise in popularity may be more attributable to media influence than any substantial change in her performance, but her role as a key figure in the administration remains a contentious issue in American politics.