Kamala Harris and the Trump Debate

Last week, former Vice President Kamala Harris stirred up controversy by labeling Trump a “communist dictator.” This statement ignited outrage among conservatives, while some on the far left were also upset, feeling it was an unfair jab at their ideology. After all, some folks on the left have shown a certain affinity for communism. But, I mean, if you take a moment to consider the actions of the Trump administration during his second term, it’s hard to completely dismiss what she said.

There have been accusations of a liberal agenda trying to brand Trump as a fascist at every turn. Yet, when you look closer, some of Trump’s actions—economically, militarily, and socially—do seem to mirror tactics seen in the Chinese Communist Party’s playbook.

For instance, the government has shown a tendency to influence companies like Intel and press private firms to comply with its demands. Not to mention calls for firing individuals in media positions—seemingly a tactic to consolidate power reminiscent of what you might expect from Beijing, not Washington, D.C.

Let’s face it, the Republican Party today looks nothing like Reagan’s. And this is something Democrats could leverage. Instead of hastily labeling every opposing opinion as fascist, they should aim to create a divide among Republicans who genuinely back Trump and those who are simply caught up in his economic policies.

The Wall Street Journal referred to Trump’s approach as “state capitalism,” drawing uncomfortable parallels to historical figures like Hitler, Victor Orban, and Vladimir Putin. It paints a picture of an administration not shy about aligning its capitalistic endeavors with communist principles.

Some might argue that Democrats have tried to introduce similar ideas in the past and failed. I nod along and wonder—why, then, are we okay with Trump doing things that seem to run parallel to communistic control?

For the Democrats, now is a crucial moment to break free from the Marxist label that has haunted them for ages. Each time they advocate for things like clean water, better education, or reducing gun violence, they get labeled as socialists, which doesn’t exactly help their cause.

I’m not saying there aren’t far-left individuals within the Democratic ranks; just look at the mayoral race in New York City. However, the term “communist” often overshadows moderates in pivotal swing states as well.

This creates an opportunity for Democrats to effectively engage in identity politics that could work in their favor. They could easily widen the rift within the Republican Party by undermining Trump and comparing his strategies to those of the Chinese Communist Party.

Even though Trump’s approval ratings aren’t great, he still manages to convince many that the alternative is a nation run by someone like Senator Bernie Sanders—a narrative that has proven effective for him.

It’s curious how this strategy has instilled fear in some to the point of reevaluating their own interests. Those marginalized by the current policies might feel an unsettling familiarity with the experiences they or their families had under communist regimes.

Now is the time for Democrats to remind everyone that they haven’t resorted to such tactics. Perhaps it’s Trump who bears more resemblance to despots like Mao or Fidel than he realizes.

Of course, Democrats should be aware that there’s a segment of voters more inclined toward socialism who might find themselves torn about Trump. His detractors also have to consider a far-left candidate like Jill Stein in the upcoming elections.

Trump has inadvertently given Democrats a chance to accuse him of projecting onto others what he himself might be guilty of. Comparing his immigration policies to detention camps in other countries or likening American military displays to those in North Korea could be effective narratives. Drawing parallels between Trump’s economic policies and those of the Chinese could also resonate.

If Trump dreams of getting his own face on a monument like Mount Rushmore, perhaps it should sit alongside figures like Lenin or Mao. And if he seeks to influence school curricula, maybe it’s time to remind people of past upheavals inspired by similar ideologies.

Democrats have historically struggled with dividing Republicans to gain traction in national elections, but this moment presents an opportunity. They could focus on the overarching theme that today’s Republican Party shares a shade of red very much like that of the Chinese Communist Party’s red.