Ezra Klein argues that Harris has flipped a switch. Biden was determined to win by reminding the American people of how big and bad and dangerous Trump is; Harris is trying to diminish him and make him look bizarre and contemptible. In other words, Biden called Trump a man on horseback; Harris says he’s a man on golf cart. Is Klein right, and can the new tactics work?
As to the first question, everything I see says yes. I have mixed feelings about the second. On the one hand, I have pointed out on numerous occasions that debate opponents who patronize Trump have the most success. In addition, the notion that Trump will behave even more outrageously to get attention, and thus offend centrist voters even further, makes some sense. On the other hand, it is a mistake to completely disregard the danger that Trump presents to liberal democracy in America. If you’re not genuinely afraid of what a Trump presidency could mean for us, you haven’t been paying attention.