In a recent interview, former President Trump boasted about his own intelligence, declaring himself “a very bright person” based on numerous positive affirmations he claims to have received. Despite acknowledging that his personal attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris haven’t been effective, Trump persisted in targeting her intelligence, dismissing her as “not smart.”
When questioned about whether targeting the personal attributes and intelligence of his political opponents could be a successful strategy, Trump said, “No I don’t think so,” and pivoted to attacking her policy record.
“I think that the message is what a bad job they’ve done. I mean, if you look at this economy, if you look at inflation, and you know, I love this country, I have to do what it takes to win,” he continued. “I have to get this country going because we’re going to lose our country.”
However, his momentary shift to policy criticism quickly gave way to renewed personal attacks on Harris.
“I don’t think she’s a very bright person. I do feel that. I mean, I think that’s right. I think I am a very bright person, and a lot of people say that,” he told CBS News. He further elaborated, “Our country needs a very smart person, and I don’t think she’s a very smart person.”
When pressed for specific evidence supporting his claim about Harris’s intelligence, Trump referenced her public statements, actions, and record. “I looked at the things that she said. I looked at the way she deals. I looked at her record, her crazy record. I look at her policies,” he explained. “I just don’t happen to think so. Now I could say she is, and I know that would be very nice.”
Recently, Trump has also targeted Harris on various fronts, including her physical appearance, racial identity, and mental fitness. Despite advice from conservative pundits urging him to concentrate on policy differences, Trump has continued to deploy personal insults.
As Harris gains traction in the polls, particularly in battleground states, Republicans have increasingly urged Trump to cease the personal attacks. Recent polls show Harris leading Trump by 3 percentage points nationally, with 49.4 percent to Trump’s 46.4 percent.
Watch the clip below:
While Kamala Harris was at a packed out stadium for the #DNC2024
Donald Trump, "I don't think she's a very bright person. I do feel that. I mean. I think that's right. I think I am a very bright person. A lot of people say that"
"I don't think she's a very bright person. And… pic.twitter.com/Pxo0TZHrGN
— Farrukh (@implausibleblog) August 20, 2024
