In the face of trailing behind Vice President Kamala Harris in the latest polls, former President Donald Trump is resorting to denial and lashing out at perceived realities. Trump, in his recent posts on social media platform Truth Social, claimed that everything about Harris is fake. Tormented by images of enthusiastic crowds at Harris' events across the country, Trump has chosen to disconnect from the world that the rest of us inhabit.

Questioning the authenticity of the massive turnouts greeting Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz at a recent event in Detroit, Trump declared that the scenes were fabricated, suggesting that the crowds were generated by computer algorithms. This denial of reality extends to other events as well, with Trump alleging that the massive gatherings were nothing but an illusion.

While such behavior would ordinarily raise concerns about mental health and fitness for office, Trump's actions risk getting lost in a barrage of bewildering conspiracy theories that have become synonymous with his brand. Unlike if it were an elderly male candidate making such claims, Trump's refusal to acknowledge the reality of Harris' growing popularity may not be given the attention it deserves.

For those who had any doubts about the online enthusiasm translating to real-life support, the Harris-Walz kick-off event in Philadelphia erased them. With a crowd of upwards of 10,000 people, who braved unpleasant weather conditions, Harris and her running mate exuded a fervent hope for a better future, in stark contrast to previous Joe Biden rallies that seemed to lack genuine excitement.

Trump's denial of this reality, whether genuine or not, could potentially cost him. Even if he were capable of a strategic shift at this late stage, he seems to be incapable of acknowledging the need for one. In a recent press conference, Trump veered off on a series of tangents, airing personal grievances while fabricating a tale about a near-death helicopter experience. His talking points on the economy and immigration lacked coherence.

Recent surveys by The New York Times and Siena College indicate that Trump's leads in key battleground states have dwindled since President Joe Biden exited the race. Harris now holds a 4-point lead over Trump in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Nationally, according to an average of recent polls by 538, Harris leads by 2.3%.

GOP pollster Frank Luntz, appearing on CNN, admitted that people seem to prefer Harris over Trump. Luntz attributed Trump's deteriorating mental state to the increasingly slimming polls, stating that "his head is exploding, and that's part of the problem."

Luntz suggested that a more focused and disciplined Trump, concentrating on policy, could still hold an advantage. However, there is little evidence to suggest that Trump's policies resonate better with voters than the continuity offered by Harris and the Biden administration.

In a surprising shift, a poll commissioned by the Financial Times revealed that Harris is now more trusted to manage the economy than Trump, reversing the traditional advantage held by Republicans. While her lead is within the margin of error at 42% to 41%, it marks a significant shift from the July poll and the first time a Democrat has overtaken Trump on this issue.

As news outlets begin fact-checking Trump's claims of "AI crowds," he continues to deny any shrinking of support. In a recent post, he asserted his strong position in the presidential race, claiming to lead in "almost all of the REAL polls." Trump remains confident in his 2024 campaign, insisting it is his best yet with the most enthusiasm and spirit.

Despite surprises that may still lie ahead, it is clear that Democrats are riding a wave of momentum and optimism, a feeling they haven't experienced in years. Meanwhile, Trump finds himself melting down within the confines of his own echo chamber, as Harris surges ahead, leaving him to rely on Senator JD Vance to carry the campaign load.

It is only August, and the dynamics of the race may yet change. However, for now, it is evident that Democrats have the wind in their sails while their opponent struggles to navigate the rough waters of denial and declining support.