According to Newsweek, Donald Trump’s campaign has escalated personal attacks against Vice President Kamala Harris, alleging she has a drinking problem without offering any evidence.
Trump campaign insider James Blair first circulated the unsubstantiated rumor on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. On Sunday, Blair's post suggested that Harris had a "serious drinking problem," an allegation that quickly gained traction online.
Blair's post amassed significant attention, garnering over 9,000 likes, nearly 4,000 shares, and an estimated 5 million views. Despite the widespread engagement, no evidence has been provided to substantiate the claims.
The accusations against Harris are not the first of their kind from the Trump camp. Trump and his allies have previously targeted Harris with personal insults, questioning her intelligence and even labeling her a "childless cat lady," a term used by Trump's running mate, JD Vance.
While some social media users seemed persuaded by Blair's allegations, others were quick to criticize the baseless nature of the claim. One commenter on X pointed out the lack of substance behind the attacks, remarking, "You Republicans really have nothing against Kamala Harris, do you?"
Despite these ongoing personal attacks, Harris remains a leading figure in several polls. Her popularity appears to be holding steady, suggesting that the smear campaign may not sway voters.
In response to the latest allegations, Tim Walz, Harris' running mate, dismissed the accusations and criticized Trump and Vance, describing them as "weird people" for their continued focus on personal attacks rather than policy discussions.
The Trump campaign's strategy of focusing on Harris' personal life rather than her political record is consistent with Trump's own history. Trump, who has famously abstained from alcohol due to his brother's struggles with alcoholism, has a long record of using personal attacks as a campaign tactic.
Interestingly, both Trump and President Joe Biden, Harris' running mate, are known teetotalers. Trump has publicly stated that his decision to avoid alcohol stems from his brother's death due to alcoholism. Similarly, Biden has chosen not to drink, citing personal reasons.
On the other hand, Harris is known to be a member of the wine club at a winery in Alameda, California. Some of her detractors have highlighted this fact, although it does not provide any evidence to support the claims of a drinking problem.
Meanwhile, JD Vance has been open about his own enjoyment of alcohol despite having a family history of addiction. He even joked about his drinking habits, stating, "I actually do like beer—I probably like to drink beer a little bit too much! But that's ok, I'm sure the media won't give me too much crap about that."
The Trump campaign’s decision to amplify baseless rumors about Kamala Harris reflects a continued strategy of personal attacks rather than policy critique. Despite the lack of evidence, these claims have spread widely online, drawing criticism and support from different corners of social media.
As the campaign heats up, it remains to be seen whether these tactics will have any lasting impact on Harris’ reputation or the outcome of the election. However, the focus on personal smears rather than substantive debate highlights the deepening divisions in American political discourse.
