Frustrated Republicans beg Trump to stop focusing on 'all these other crazy things'

12 August 2024

Since choosing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has held huge campaign rallies with him in Philadelphia as well as Michigan (where they were joined by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer), Wisconsin and Arizona. Her GOP rival Donald Trump has responded to the size of the crowds by falsely claiming that Harris and her Democratic allies are using artificial intelligence to exaggerate the size of the crowds — a claim that, CNN points out, is "easily disproved by photos and videos captured by attendees and media."

According to The Hill's Brett Samuels, this type of behavior has some Republicans — including former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-California) — worried, as they believe it distracts Trump from attacking Harris on the issues.

During a Monday, August 12 appearance on Fox News, McCarthy advised, "You've got to make this race not on personalities. Stop questioning the size of her crowds, and start questioning her position when it comes to what did she do as attorney general on crime. Question what did she do when she was supposed to take care of the border as a czar."

McCarthy isn't the only Republican who is sounding the alarm.

A former Trump White House official, quoted anonymously and sounding frustrated, told The Hill, "The issues, the top issues of voters are squarely in his favor. Can they stay focused on that? In these final 90 days, that’s going to be the key. Because I think when it comes to the issues that matter — immigration, the economy, etc. — are hands down the biggest issues, and those favor Trump."

Republican Brendan Buck, an ex-aide to former House Speakers Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) and John Boehner (R-Ohio) expressed frustration as well.

Buck told The Hill, "It’s not that he's not talking about the economy, it’s not that he’s not talking about the border. It’s that he’s talking about all these other crazy things as well that distract you."

Read The Hill's full report at this link.

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