During a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday (August 17), Donald Trump continued his criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris. Having previously referred to her as “not very smart,” he has now taken aim at her appearance, asserting that he is “much better looking” than she is.
Trump’s remarks were made while discussing a drawing of Harris featured on the cover of TIME Magazine, implying that the magazine struggled to capture any flattering images of her. He referenced a “highly overrated” speech writer who commended Harris’s beauty.
“She mentioned, ‘Kamala has one big advantage, she’s a beautiful woman,’” he states in the video. “So I went back to re-read, and I thought I look much better than her. Much better. I’m a better-looking person than Kamala. I can’t believe it. I had never heard anything like that. Never considered it before.
Donald Trump compares Kamala Harris’s Time Magazine cover to Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor. He talks about Kamala’s beauty and then proceeds to say he’s better looking than her. #DonaldTrump #Pennsylvania #TrumpRally pic.twitter.com/uRQBbdoa68
— Dana Abercrombie (@sagesurge) August 17, 2024
Trump often targets Harris, using harsh language to question her credentials and position. During the 2020 election campaign, he and his supporters portrayed Harris as unsuitable for the vice presidency, labeling her as “nasty” and “mean.”
Trump consistently questions her credibility and downplays her accomplishments, depicting her as a radical leftist whose policies could lead the nation in a perilous direction. His attacks often intersected with broader critiques of the Joe Biden administration, framing Harris as a significant player in what he characterized as a potential socialist agenda.
Moreover, Trump’s criticisms of Harris extend beyond her political policies to include her identity and background. He has repeatedly challenged her authenticity and insinuated that she is not likable, trying to evoke division and attract his base’s skepticism towards her. Trump has also propagated unfounded conspiracy theories against Harris, including doubts about her eligibility for the vice presidency on the basis of her parents’ immigrant status, despite her being born in the United States.
On the other hand, Harris has been vocal about her discontent with Trump, critiquing his leadership approach, policies, and influence on American democracy. Throughout her career, especially during the 2020 campaign, she has labeled Trump as a divisive figure who has jeopardized essential democratic institutions and principles.
She has frequently cited Trump’s management of the COVID-19 crisis, his reactions to racial injustice, and his role in instigating the January 6 Capitol riot as proof of his unsuitability for leadership. Harris contends that Trump’s presidency signifies a troubling departure from the ideals of inclusion, equality, and justice that she believes are fundamental to the American identity.
According to Newsweek, Harris’ aggregated favorability rating surpasses that of Biden or Trump for the past two years. Despite only becoming the presumed Democratic nominee three weeks ago, she and her campaign have managed to help her surpass Trump in numerous polls.
The percentage of registered voters who believe Trump will win in November has plummeted by 10 points, decreasing from 58% to 48% in less than a month, based on Marist College polls conducted between July 9 and 10 and August 1 through 4.
