According to a report by Newsweek, Republican pollster Frank Luntz has warned that Donald Trump's campaign is in dire need of a messaging overhaul.
During his appearance on CNBC's Squawk Box, Luntz remarked that Trump had "lost control." He highlighted that billionaires who support Trump financially are perplexed by his actions, which seem to amount to a "political suicide."
According to Luntz, the crux of the issue lies in the campaign’s focus, which he suggests is misaligned with the broader voter concerns. Despite economic policies usually being Trump's stronghold, recent shifts show Vice President Kamala Harris gaining ground, especially on issues such as the housing market and the economy — traditionally Republican strongholds in voter trust.
Complicating matters for Trump, his recent public praise for entrepreneur Elon Musk’s controversial anti-union sentiments did not sit well with many.
Sean O’Brien, the leader of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, labeled Trump’s approval of firing striking workers as "economic terrorism." This sentiment has likely not helped Trump among working-class voters, a demographic pivotal in several battleground states.
This stance on union issues could alienate a significant portion of his base, which is already grappling with inflation and housing market challenges, which have emerged as pivotal concerns in recent polls.
Luntz's advice to Trump was straightforward yet far-reaching: pivot from inflation to more immediate daily concerns like healthcare, housing, and the general cost of living. "Stop using the word inflation," Luntz suggested, emphasizing a broader scope of economic concerns that resonate more directly with the electorate's daily hardships.
The veteran pollster explained, emphasizing the need to shift focus. "The people that Trump needs [to win the election] can't afford it every week," referring to the broader economic pressures families face beyond just inflation.
He further recommended that Trump should also critique wasteful spending in Washington to garner taxpayer support, possibly improving his appeal by aligning with broader fiscal concerns among voters.
Recent polling data shows a potential shift in momentum towards Harris, particularly in swing states, which is crucial for an election victory. Luntz noted her "intensity advantage" and how even a slight increase in voter turnout or shift in voter preference could decisively impact the outcome of a tightly contested race.
Trump, however, remains skeptical of these polls, viewing Harris’ rise as a transient "honeymoon phase" following her announcement as the Democratic candidate.
Still, the implications of Harris' candidacy are not lost on campaign strategists, as she appears to resonate well with demographic segments previously undecided or apathetic in earlier polls.
Trump’s campaign is at a pivotal junction. With Harris' ascent in the polls and the critical eye of influential figures like Frank Luntz, the former President’s path to re-election is fraught with challenges that demand immediate strategic adjustments. Electoral success may hinge on his ability to re-align his campaign with the evolving economic concerns of American voters and to soften his stance on contentious issues like labor rights.
