In a bid to secure victory in November, key Republicans are urging their candidate to prioritize policy over personal attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris. Prominent figures within the party have warned that targeting Harris's intelligence, racial identity, appearance, and other personal factors could alienate crucial voting blocs. However, former President Donald Trump appears to be disregarding these pleas, as he continues to engage in controversial rhetoric.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, argued that Trump could defeat Harris based on policy platforms alone. However, Graham cautioned that if the GOP nominee positions himself as a "provocateur" or a "showman," he may struggle to regain the support necessary to secure another term in the White House. Graham's sentiments echo those of several Trump allies who have publicly called on the former president to shift his focus away from personal attacks.

During an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press," Graham stressed the importance of Trump defining his plans for the country in the final 80 days leading up to the election. He emphasized the need for effective border control, measures to tackle inflation, and other actions to address issues faced by the nation.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a onetime Trump ally who has since become a critic and potential challenger for the 2024 Republican nomination, went even further, suggesting that Trump needs "anger management classes." Christie's remarks highlight the growing divide within the party over the approach taken toward Harris and the Democratic ticket.

As the Trump campaign shifts its focus toward Harris and her running mate, multiple polls released on Sunday indicate that she is leading nationally. Harris herself unveiled her proposed economic agenda for the first time during a campaign stop in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Friday.

One particular proposal in her agenda, which aims to ban "price gouging" on food and groceries, has attracted scrutiny from economists and political adversaries alike. A Heritage Foundation economist compared Harris's proposed policies to communist ideology, prompting Democratic Senator Chris Coons, a co-chair of the Harris-Walz campaign, to defend the initiative by stating that there is nothing communist about wanting to make housing and prescription drugs more affordable.

Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer also defended Harris's proposal on NBC's "Meet the Press," emphasizing efforts to lower healthcare costs and invest in affordable housing. However, criticisms from Republicans, including Graham, centered around concerns over potential price controls that could negatively impact businesses and the economy.

Elsewhere, Republican attacks against Harris have drawn backlash from Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois. Referring to Trump's recent comments about military valor awards, Duckworth labeled him as "despicable" and questioned whether the American electorate wants someone who denigrates and disrespects military men and women to be the next commander in chief.

While Republicans have questioned the military experience of Harris's running mate, Tim Walz, a 24-year Army National Guard veteran, Duckworth dismissed these attacks as "despicable." She stood in support of Walz's military record and criticized the attempts to undermine it.

In other news, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, previously considered as a potential candidate for Harris's shortlist for vice president, expressed relief that there is no available footage of his previous choreography. Pritzker also predicted that the Democratic National Convention would be akin to a "rock concert," echoing sentiments voiced by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, who anticipated a "very joyful" event.

While excitement builds for the DNC, some have drawn comparisons to the violent clashes between police and Vietnam War protesters during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and unified event.

As the election draws near, the divide between Republicans and Democrats over the focus and tone of the campaign continues to widen. The Republican call for a policy-centered approach aims to appeal to a broader electorate, while Democrats defend their proposals and condemn personal attacks.

It remains to be seen whether Trump will heed the advice of his party allies and pivot toward a more policy-oriented campaign strategy or continue down the path of personal attacks on Vice President Harris.