Neera Tanden, the CEO of the left-leaning Center for American Progress, argued in an interview that aired Thursday that President Trump’s efforts to rile up Republicans on immigration ahead of the midterms could backfire.
“I think what he’s doing is terrible, but I also think people don’t recognize how much it’s driving more Democrats to understand what’s at stake in this election,” Tanden told Hill.TV’s Buck Sexton and Krystal Ball on “Rising.”
“I think what he doesn’t recognize, or some people don’t recognize, is that kind of divisiveness is also fueling more energy and enthusiasm, particularly among suburban women,” she said.
Tanden suggested Trump’s moves and rhetoric on immigration could end up hurting the GOP among women in suburban areas who may be turned off by “the divisive rhetoric attacking different groups.”
Trump has pushed the issue of immigration into the spotlight ahead of the midterm elections next week in an effort to drive out his base to back congressional Republicans.
The president has put a focus on a Central American migrant caravan moving toward the U.S. border and announced in an interview released Tuesday that he is looking at trying to end birthright citizenship through an executive order.
Voter enthusiasm has reached high levels as both parties work to turn out their base and appeal to undecided voters.
An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released last week found that 65 percent of respondents said they were highly interested in voting in the midterms.
— Julia Manchester
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