'Show Everybody Who Harris Is' - Victor Davis Hanson's Winning Advice for Trump

In a recent analysis, historian Victor Davis Hanson draws parallels between the 1988 presidential campaign and the upcoming 2024 election, suggesting that former President Donald Trump can learn valuable lessons from George H.W. Bush's strategy. According to Hanson, Bush's campaign manager, Lee Atwater, effectively reshaped public perception of his opponent, Michael Dukakis, who was leading in the polls by 17 points before the campaign's negative tactics took effect. Ultimately, Dukakis lost the election by nearly 8 points, demonstrating the power of strategic campaigning. Hanson highlights Atwater's controversial methods, including the infamous Willie Horton ad, which played a significant role in altering voter sentiment. He notes that Atwater's approach not only impacted the 1988 election but also set a precedent for future Republican campaigns. Despite the controversy surrounding his tactics, Atwater's success in the election remains a focal point for understanding electoral strategy. For Trump, Hanson emphasizes the importance of clearly defining Vice President Kamala Harris's political record and character. He advises Trump to expose Harris's reluctance to run on her achievements and to confront her past positions, particularly those perceived as radical. By doing so, Hanson believes Trump could replicate Bush's success in the 1988 election. In conclusion, Hanson asserts that if Trump adopts a similar strategy to that of Bush's campaign, he could significantly improve his chances of winning a second term in the face of a formidable opponent like Harris.