In a move that could significantly impact the 2024 election, Donald Trump and MAGA supporters are facing backlash for their offensive attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris. Their attempts to undermine Harris’s credibility by focusing on her race and gender have backfired, potentially alienating swing voters and heightening tensions within the Republican Party.

Recent comments have seen MAGA figures and their allies calling Harris a “DEI hire,” implying that her appointment is merely a result of her race and gender rather than her qualifications. This rhetoric has drawn criticism from many quarters, including House GOP leaders who have urged their members to cease racially charged comments and focus instead on Harris’s policy record.

Notably, conservative commentator Ben Shapiro compared Harris to pop star Taylor Swift, an attempt to belittle her enthusiasm that only highlighted Harris’s ability to inspire and mobilize voters. This comparison, intended as an insult, instead drew parallels between Harris’s influence and Swift’s, who has notably increased voter registration numbers through her social media influence.

In addition, JD Vance’s disparaging remarks about childless women, including Harris, have been condemned for their sexist overtones. Similarly, Larry Kudlow’s criticisms have been labeled as racially and politically charged, further fueling controversy.

House GOP leaders have called for a more respectful approach, urging members to criticize Harris based on her policies rather than her identity. This shift in strategy comes as the GOP grapples with the negative impact of these divisive comments on their public image.

Despite the inflammatory rhetoric, Speaker Mike Johnson’s recent statements have struck a more measured tone. He emphasized that the focus should be on the policies and qualifications of the candidates rather than personal attacks.

As the 2024 election approaches, the handling of Harris’s candidacy could play a crucial role in shaping voter perceptions and the overall political landscape. The debate over MAGA’s tactics reflects broader challenges within the Republican Party and raises questions about the effectiveness of their current strategy.