Analysis of Donald Trump’s Targeting Strategy in the Democratic Debates
Introduction
As the primary season for the Democratic party reaches its peak, one critical question looms: who will Donald Trump target most during the Democratic presidential debates, and how will he go about it? This article delves into the strategies and potential targets based on Trump's known behavior and political dynamics within the context of the 2020 election.
Tackling Joe Biden
Donald Trump's primary focus will be to damage Joe Biden if he hopes to win the presidency in 2020. Biden, currently seen as the frontrunner, represents a significant threat to Trump's re-election plans. Given Biden's alignment with the central bell curve of Democratic views, Trump is likely to use every opportunity to highlight perceived weaknesses in Biden's leadership and policy stances.
One of Trump's key strategies will be to emphasize Biden's perceived slowness and inactivity. Despite Biden's long political career and diverse experience, Trump will likely label him as 'slow-witted and passive.' This approach is particularly effective when it comes to countering Biden's solid middle-of-the-road position and his record of working across the aisle.
Furthermore, Trump will avoid relying on the "consorting with racists" charge, which previously failed to significantly impact the race. Instead, he will continue to target Biden with claims of passivity and lack of decisive action. This tactic is seen as more effective and less likely to backfire, given Biden's history of bipartisanship and moderation.
Impervious Democratic Base
Biden faces a unique challenge in the primary election: appealing to a broad base of Democrats. Although a significant portion of Democratic voters and Democratic-leaning independents are 'never Trumpers,' their support is unlikely to change the 2020 election outcome. On the other hand, if Biden fails to win the primary, the election’s result will remain uncertain.
To navigate this, Biden has begun to position himself as the reasonable and inclusive candidate, willing to work with even those who are seen as extremely conservative or controversial. For example, he has praised the notoriously racist Senators James Eastland and Herman Talmadge, demonstrating his ability to unify the party across diverse opinions.
Shifting Target
In the primaries, Trump's strategy may shift based on the polls. He will likely target the frontrunner, but if the poll leader changes, he will quickly pivot to the new leader. This approach is designed to exploit any perceived vulnerabilities and to create constant turmoil within the Democratic party, potentially sowing seeds of doubt among voters.
A strategic look ahead might indicate that if Trump follows his usual patterns, Elizabeth Warren could emerge as the top candidate. Warren's progressive stance and strong grassroots support make her a tempting target. If Trump targets Warren and Biden in succession, a scenario reminiscent of a Hillary Clinton II, it could complicate Biden's campaign significantly.
Conclusion
The Democratic primary will be a strategic fight for the nomination, deeply influenced by Trump's divisive and targeted tactics. With an eye on the 2020 election, both Democratic candidates and their supporters will need to continuously adapt to Trump's shifting targets and evolving strategies. As the race progresses, staying informed and prepared will be crucial for any candidate looking to secure the nomination and ultimately the presidency.