INSIDE THE RUTHLESS, RESTLESS FINAL DAYS OF TRUMP’S CAMPAIGN
Tim Alberta details Donald Trump’s erratic behavior and mounting tensions within his 2024 campaign in its last stretch. Alberta reports that Trump initially showed an inclination to call Joe Biden “Retarded Joe Biden,” shocking his staff. Although he refrained from using it publicly, this episode exposed Trump’s dissatisfaction with his campaign’s controlled, disciplined approach.
After Biden exited the race, with Kamala Harris stepping in, Trump’s restlessness grew. His advisors urged him to stay the course, but Trump felt constrained and increasingly dismissed their guidance. Seeking a return to his 2016-style “killer” campaign, Trump brought back old allies like Corey Lewandowski and Kellyanne Conway. Lewandowski, especially, stirred internal conflict, questioning the campaign’s finances and clashing with current managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita.
Trump’s unpredictability escalated, including inviting controversial figure Laura Loomer to accompany him, which drew backlash. His running mate J.D. Vance further complicated things with inflammatory remarks about migrants. Trump’s campaign also struggled with significant morale issues, with Lewandowski’s antics and persistent mistrust among staff.
At a climactic Madison Square Garden rally, a comedian’s offensive jokes led to a public-relations debacle, again showcasing the campaign’s internal lack of discipline and Trump’s attraction to controversial figures. Alberta concludes that the turmoil Trump fosters makes it likely this chaos will follow him if he wins in November.
Alberta, Tim. “Inside the Ruthless, Restless Final Days of Trump’s Campaign.” *The Atlantic*, 2 Nov. 2024, www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/11/trump-2024-campaign-lewandowski-conway/680456/.
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