Vice President Kamala Harris is mounting a vigorous challenge against former President Donald Trump, who has dismissed advice from allies to focus more on policy. During a recent press conference at his Bedminster, N.J. estate, Trump defended his personal attacks on Harris, asserting he is “entitled” to them.
Trump spoke for about an hour before answering media questions, addressing calls from some Republicans for him to tone down his rhetoric. “I’m very angry at her because of what she’s done to the country,” Trump stated. “I believe I’m entitled to personal attacks. I don’t respect her intelligence and think she’d be a terrible president,” he added, noting that Harris had also personally insulted him by calling him “weird.”
Responding to former rival Nikki Haley’s suggestion to adjust his campaign strategy, Trump said he would run his campaign “my way” but valued her input. This press conference was his second in as many weeks, aimed at countering Harris’s rising popularity after her victory over President Biden in late July.
Recent polling by the Cook Political Report shows Harris leading Trump in five of seven crucial battleground states: Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Trump is leading in Nevada, while the race is tied in Georgia.
Earlier on Thursday, Trump announced new additions to his campaign staff, including Corey Lewandowski, who managed his 2016 campaign and authored “Let Trump Be Trump.” Despite these changes, Trump insisted they did not signify a major shift in strategy.
Trump, who launched his 2024 presidential bid in November 2022, aims to return to the White House for a second non-consecutive term. He has named Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate, who would become the second youngest vice president in U.S. history if elected.