Former Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway argues Vice President Kamala Harris is the 'incumbent' in the 2024 presidential race, while former President Trump is the 'change-maker.'
In an interview on 'The Story,' former Trump counselor Kellyanne Conway offered her insights on the upcoming 2024 presidential race, suggesting that Vice President Kamala Harris may be the frontrunner, not the underdog. Conway argued that Harris, as the incumbent, enjoys a significant advantage, while former President Trump, despite his challenges, remains a formidable force as the 'change-maker.'
Conway's assessment challenges the conventional wisdom that Trump is the clear favorite for the Republican nomination, even though he has yet to officially declare his candidacy. However, Conway contends that Harris's current political standing and the incumbent advantage give her an edge over potential challengers, including Trump.
Kellyanne Conway Calls Kamala Harris the 'Incumbent,' Trump the 'Change-Maker' in 2024 Race
"I think Kamala Harris is the incumbent. She's the vice president. She's in the White House every day. She's traveling the world. She's meeting with foreign leaders. She's representing the United States," Conway said. "She has a lot of advantages that a challenger would not have."
Conway acknowledged Trump's enduring popularity among the Republican base but emphasized that his resilience does not guarantee victory. She pointed to his legal challenges, ongoing investigations, and divisive rhetoric as potential liabilities that could hinder his chances.
Kellyanne Conway Calls Kamala Harris the 'Incumbent,' Trump the 'Change-Maker' in 2024 Race
"Trump is the change-maker. He's the outsider. He's the disrupter. He's the one who challenges the status quo," Conway said. "But he also has a lot of baggage. He's got a lot of legal challenges. He's got a lot of investigations going on. He's got a lot of people who don't like him."
Conway's analysis aligns with recent polls indicating a competitive race between Harris and Trump. A recent ABC News/Washington Post poll found Harris leading Trump by 5 points among registered voters. However, the same poll showed that Trump holds a 6-point advantage over Harris among Republican voters.
Kellyanne Conway Calls Kamala Harris the 'Incumbent,' Trump the 'Change-Maker' in 2024 Race
Conway's comments sparked reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Democrats welcomed her acknowledgment of Harris's strengths, while Republicans dismissed her assessment as biased and inaccurate. The debate over the relative advantages of Harris and Trump is likely to intensify as the 2024 race heats up.
In addition to the incumbent advantage, Conway also highlighted other factors that could benefit Harris, including her experience in government and her strong support among African American and female voters. However, Conway cautioned that Harris also faces challenges, such as the ongoing economic crisis and the public's perception of the Biden administration's handling of various issues.
Kellyanne Conway Calls Kamala Harris the 'Incumbent,' Trump the 'Change-Maker' in 2024 Race
Despite the ongoing challenges, Conway expressed optimism about Harris's chances in the upcoming race. She emphasized the importance of Harris's ability to connect with voters on a personal level and her potential to inspire the Democratic base. However, Conway also acknowledged that Trump remains a formidable opponent, and the race is far from over.
