'Trump speaking often helps him, not us': Democrats advised against using too much of Trump in attack ads: report

Some Democratic candidates are reportedly being warned that focusing too heavily on former President Donald Trump in attack ads may inadvertently boost the GOP nominee, as concerns grow within the party about Trump’s chances of winning the election.

Future Forward, the largest Super PAC backing Vice President Kamala Harris in her presidential bid, recently sent an analysis to political groups cautioning that ads featuring Trump must provide “context," according to The New Republic. The outlet noted that the analysis stated, "Trump speaking often helps him, not us."

This warning comes as Harris and Trump are running neck and neck in many key swing states. Nationally, Harris holds a slight lead, but Democrats worry that they have not effectively connected with minoritity voters—particularly younger men—who traditionally vote Democratic. The New Republic also highlighted concerns within the party that they failed to properly define Trump earlier in the campaign, allowing his favorability to rise at a time when many voters are dissatisfied with the current administration.

Future Forward, a Super PAC supported by some of the Democratic Party’s wealthiest donors, was elevated by President Biden and his advisors last year. The group has a major influence on national messaging in the race against Trump, but there is growing urgency regarding its strategy in the final stretch before the election. Many Democrats feel that the PAC has not done enough to engage nonwhite voters, especially in the realm of digital advertising.

Tatenda Musapatike, CEO of the Voter Formation Project, which works to increase outreach to black and Hispanic voters, acknowledged that Future Forward has recently begun distributing funds to help with voter mobilization efforts. "I am grateful that they have begun to disperse money to groups so we can help people mobilize and make plans to vote," Musapatike told The New Republic. However, she added, "Future Forward can do more in reaching less-engaged voters of color, particularly through digital programming."

Last month, Democratic groups circulated a memo expressing concern over Trump’s increasing support among minority voters, pointing to a lack of investment in digital communication with these communities. Future Forward was singled out as bearing much of the responsibility for this oversight.

Meanwhile, as Democratic groups express frustration over their handling of Trump’s messaging earlier in the campaign, Trump’s approval ratings continue to rise. According to a recent New York Times poll, Trump has a favorability rating of 46 percent, with much of his support coming from voters dissatisfied with the economy under the Biden-Harris administration.