Democrats Enlist Anti-Trump Republicans to Amplify Kamala Harris’s Appeal in a Centrist Strategy

CHICAGO – Former President Donald Trump’s influence has led to a notable exodus of some Republicans from the party. In response, Democrats are actively courting these disaffected voters this week, rebranding their messaging to be more appealing.

At the Democratic National Convention, party members reframed Trump as an extremist, while introducing prominent Republicans who have aligned themselves with Vice President Kamala Harris. Mesa Mayor John Giles, co-chair of the Arizona chapter of Republicans for Harris, proclaimed from the stage, “John McCain’s Republican Party is gone. Let’s turn the page. Let’s put country first.”

During a pre-speech discussion, Giles admitted to dissenting with Harris on various issues, yet he emphasized her potential to address the needs of America’s political center more effectively than Trump. This sentiment reflects a broader shift among Democrats who are recalibrating their platform to attract moderates and independents.

Unlike the expansive health care agenda outlined in their 2020 platform, this year’s program opts for a more succinct approach. The new framework prioritizes the “Reducing Costs” initiative, which includes calls for lowering prescription drug prices, enhancing Medicaid access, and safeguarding the Affordable Care Act.

The Democratic platform has also pivoted on issues of policing. After years of being accused of wanting to “defund the police,” the latest version shifts focus to supporting local law enforcement, praising President Joe Biden’s efforts to reduce crime through funding.

“This is not about Democrats or Republicans or independents,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “It’s about everyday, working class folk.” In contrast, Republicans who remain loyal to their party criticize this centrist shift as disingenuous.

Trump continues to disparage Democrats, labeling them as “radical left lunatics” and accusing Harris of fostering a “plague of migrant crime.” Throughout the convention, Democrats targeted Trump, presenting him as an autocrat. A large copy of the so-called Project 2025, associated with Trump’s administration, served as a focal point for these concerns.

Despite Trump’s apparent disavowal of the project, its co-authors underscore that he aligns with its ambitions. Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow criticized it as the “Republican blueprint for a second Trump term,” highlighting its aggressive policies aimed at diminishing civil service and expanding executive power.

The Democratic Party’s updated platform was approved on July 16, mere days before Biden’s withdrawal from the race. With Harris emerging as the consensus successor, the platform underwent minimal changes, maintaining support for Biden’s record while contrasting it with Trump’s policies. Activists remain steadfast, claiming their nominee prioritizes the interests of the majority. “She stands for what the majority of Americans want,” asserted Tempe delegate Dhruv Rebba.