Fmr Harris Comms Dir Says Dems Must ‘Stop Underestimating’ Trump, Get On ‘Right Side’ Of Voters’ Views On Institutions

Former Harris Communications Director Jamal Simmons says Democrats need to “stop underestimating” President-elect Donald Trump and instead get on the “right side” of how voters view institutions they don’t believe in.

Since Trump‘s win Tuesday evening in both the Electoral College and popular vote, Democrats have questioned where Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign went wrong with voters. On CNN’s “Erin Burnett OutFront,” Burnett pointed out to Simmons how Trump seems to have a clear plan, as he has continuously released names for his upcoming administration. Burnett then asked the former Harris aide what Democrats should prepare for under the new administration.

“One thing Democrats have to do is stop underestimating Donald Trump, right? This has gotten Democrats in trouble two times and almost a third time against Joe Biden because he didn’t beat him by that much when it came to the Electoral College, right?” Simmons said. “So Democrats have to stop underestimating Donald Trump and start paying attention to the fact that there are a lot of Americans in this country, clearly a majority of Americans, who still feel like they’re on the outside.”

“The one thing Trump did well, it was kind of dastardly from a Democratic perspective, but he did it well. He identified, he put himself on the side of the people who were outside going against the institutions. Democrats have to not defend institutions that people don’t think are taking care of them,” Simmons said.

Simmons went on to highlight his worries for Trump’s second administration, questioning Trump’s unpredictability.

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