Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) expressed concerns on Sunday that former President Donald Trump might jeopardize his chances of winning the upcoming election if he continues focusing on personal criticisms of Vice President Kamala Harris instead of emphasizing policy issues.
During an appearance on Meet the Press, Graham warned that Trump’s tendency to engage in provocative commentary could be detrimental to his campaign. He suggested that Trump’s current strategy of targeting Harris’s personal attributes—such as her race and intelligence—could backfire.
When asked by host Kristen Welker whether Trump should cease his personal attacks on Harris, Graham highlighted the need for Trump and other Republicans to concentrate on policy-driven discussions. He pointed out that if Trump redirects his focus to policy matters, he would be in a stronger position to win the election.
Graham, along with fellow Republicans like Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA), former presidential candidates Nikki Haley, and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), is advocating for a campaign strategy that emphasizes Trump’s policy agenda. He believes that Trump’s policies are beneficial for the country and that a debate centered on these policies would favor the former president.
“Trump’s policy proposals are strong and would resonate with voters,” Graham said. “If we stick to discussing what he plans to do for the nation, he has a solid chance of securing victory. However, if he continues down the path of personal attacks, it could undermine his campaign.”
Graham’s advice comes as Trump has made several controversial comments about Harris. Recently, Trump questioned Harris’s intelligence and criticized her background, suggesting that she was selected for her race rather than her qualifications. This criticism has drawn attention from various quarters, including some Republican advisors who have urged Trump to refocus on his policy platform.
Trump defended his approach during a recent event in Bedminster, New Jersey, asserting that he is entitled to critique his opponents. He emphasized his belief that Harris’s personal attacks against him warrant a response, and he reiterated his commitment to defeating her in the election.
Overall, Graham’s comments underscore the strategic debate within the Republican Party about how best to position Trump for a successful campaign, emphasizing the importance of policy over personal conflict.