Trump Allies Fear He’s Sabotaging His Own Campaign

A Peek at the Polls • 2016 MAGA Mimicry • Kamala’s Joy Balloon [View in your browser]( | [Update your preferences](newsletter=vf) [Vanity Fair Hive logo image]( Trump Allies Fear He’s Sabotaging His Own Campaign Good morning. Donald Trump’s campaign has not been in a good place ever since Kamala Harris was elevated to the top of the Democratic ticket. And according to those inside Trumpworld, the former president’s self-destructive tendencies are only getting worse. It’s unclear why that might be, but one source [tells]( Gabriel Sherman that Trump can’t get over feeling “cheated” by Joe Biden’s handoff, while another speculates he might have PTSD from last month’s assassination attempt. “It’s like he’s choosing to lose,” says one insider. To make matters worse for Trump, Harris is expected to gin up even more enthusiasm around her campaign at next week’s Democratic National Convention, where she will be formally nominated. As for her acceptance speech, Chris Smith [reports]( that the veep is expected to eschew policy in favor of personality, touching on her own life story in an effort to forge a stronger connection with the base. Plus, Bess Levin [catches sight]( of new polling that may leave ketchup dripping down the walls of Mar-a-Lago. Thanks for reading. [Image may contain: Donald Trump, Accessories, Formal Wear, Tie, Crowd, Person, Electronics, Speaker, Adult, and Audience]( [Trump Allies Fear He’s Sabotaging His Own Campaign]( By [Gabriel Sherman]( [The former president can’t get over feeling “cheated” by Joe Biden’s exit from the race, says one source, while another speculates he might “have PTSD” following last month’s assassination attempt.]( [Read more button](   [Kamala Harris Needs to Knock Trump in Her DNC Speech—Without Popping the Joy Balloon]( By [Chris Smith]( [Still riding a wave of optimism, the veep is expected to forge a more personal connection with voters that could insulate her from future MAGA attacks. One top Democratic speechwriter says they were “dreading” writing a speech for Biden: “This will be a lot more fun.”]( [Read more button](   [New Poll Shows Harris Beating Trump in Pennsylvania, Among Women, and in “Personality” and Honesty]( By [Bess Levin]( [Meanwhile, an average of national polls puts Harris ahead 47.2% to 46.7%.]( [Read more button](   [Of Course Trump Is Going to Claim the Election Was Stolen If Harris Wins: Ex-Trump Official]( By [Bess Levin]( [This should come as a surprise to exactly no one.]( [Read more button](   Get on the list Subscribe to our Hollywood newsletter for your essential industry and awards-season news, every day. [Sign Up Now](   [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn](   This e-mail was sent to you by The Hive. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, vanityfair@newsletter.vf.com, to your address book. View our [Privacy Policy]( [Unsubscribe]( Sent from Condé Nast, 1 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007 Copyright © 2024 Condé Nast