Former President Donald Trump has once again taken aim at Vice President Kamala Harris, this time accusing her of stealing his idea to eliminate taxes on tips for service and hospitality workers. The issue gained attention after Harris announced her support for the same policy, leading Trump and his supporters to point out her past actions that contradict this new stance.

The ‘No Tax on Tips’ Proposal

About a month and a half ago, Trump proposed eliminating taxes on tips, a move aimed at providing financial relief to service industry workers. The proposal was seen as a populist measure that could bolster his support among working-class voters. However, Trump’s team was quick to notice that Harris later made a similar announcement, leading to accusations that she was trying to take credit for an idea that was not originally hers.

Trump’s supporters were quick to highlight this on social media, with many expressing frustration that Harris seemed to be receiving praise for an idea they believed was originally Trump’s. “She came out and said she’s going to do it, and everybody cheered as if it was her idea,” a Trump supporter remarked. “But here’s the problem – in 2022, she was one of the deciding votes to go after people who were not reporting their tips.”

Harris’s Past Actions Under Scrutiny

Harris’s voting record has come under scrutiny, particularly her role in the 2022 vote that targeted individuals who were not accurately reporting their tips. This vote was part of broader legislation, which some have linked to the Inflation Reduction Act or the Green New Deal. Harris’s vote in favor of the measure has been cited by critics as evidence of inconsistency in her positions.

“She was the tiebreaker,” noted a political commentator. “They’re going to tax the business instead, which, in turn, taxes the workers.” This perceived hypocrisy has fueled criticism from those who argue that Harris is now trying to appeal to workers she previously helped burden with additional taxes.

The Impact of Betting Markets and Polling

As the 2024 election approaches, the reliability of betting markets and polling data has been a topic of debate. While some view these indicators as merely conversational pieces, others see them as reflecting broader trends in public opinion. For instance, despite Harris initially surging in betting markets following her selection as Joe Biden’s running mate, her favorability has since plummeted.

Michael Malice, a political commentator, recently discussed the fluctuating public opinion of Harris. “Everyone hates Kamala Harris,” he stated, pointing to her sub-40 approval ratings. He also noted how Harris’s image as a “wine aunt who’s drunk every day for lunch” has contributed to her declining favorability. “That’s the power of propaganda,” Malice remarked, highlighting how media coverage can temporarily inflate or deflate a politician’s public perception.

Harris’s Struggles to Articulate Policies

Harris has also faced criticism for her ability to clearly articulate her policies. In a recent interview, she struggled to explain how her proposed economic policies would be funded, leading to further doubts about her competency. When asked about how she would pay for her policies, Harris repeatedly mentioned the “return on investment” but failed to provide specific details.

Greg Price, another political commentator, summarized Harris’s economic speech as out of touch with the realities many Americans face. “The price of food is up 50% today than it was four years ago. Home ownership is out of reach for far too many Americans, and I will chart a new way forward,” Price quoted Harris, questioning where she had been during the last four years.

Trump’s Path to 2024

As Trump prepares for a potential 2024 presidential run, his strategy will likely involve continuing to criticize Harris and the Biden administration for their policies, which he argues have led the country toward economic disaster. “Trump does not have an easy path at all to the White House in 2024,” a supporter noted. “But now is the time to strike.”

In this context, Harris’s perceived missteps and the controversy surrounding her adoption of Trump’s ‘No Tax on Tips’ proposal may provide Trump with additional ammunition as he seeks to regain the presidency. Whether this strategy will resonate with voters remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the battle lines for 2024 are already being drawn.