David Plouffe, a senior adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris, is facing renewed scrutiny over a controversial 2016 social media post in which he called for the thorough destruction of former President Donald Trump and his political movement. Plouffe, who was instrumental in Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, made the remarks during Trump’s initial rise to power, declaring that it wasn't enough to merely defeat Trump but that "he must be destroyed thoroughly" and that "his kind must not rise again".
This resurfaced post has sparked fresh controversy as it coincides with Plouffe’s new role in Harris' 2024 campaign. The statement, originally posted on X (formerly Twitter), has gained renewed attention following a recent assassination attempt on Trump. The incident occurred while Trump was golfing in Florida, and although the attempt was thwarted by Secret Service agents, it has heightened tensions surrounding the increasingly polarized political landscape.
Here is a real quote from Kamala Harris Senior Advisor David Plouffe:
"It is not enough to simply beat Trump. He must be destroyed thoroughly. His kind must not rise again."
President Trump is spot on when he says that the assassination attempts are inspired by Kamala Harris's… pic.twitter.com/y9hfaFL124
— Alex Bruesewitz 🇺🇸 (@alexbruesewitz) September 16, 2024
The Trump campaign wasted no time in drawing attention to Plouffe’s post, emphasizing the dangerous rhetoric coming from the Democratic side. Trump's campaign team circulated the post on social media, framing it as yet another example of extreme hostility towards the former president. “This guy is now a top official on Kamala Harris' campaign,” the Trump War Room tweeted, along with an image of Plouffe’s inflammatory comments.
Plouffe’s role in Harris' campaign could be pivotal as the Vice President seeks to navigate a difficult 2024 election. While Plouffe is no stranger to political battles—having helped Obama secure two terms in the White House—his past statements are now casting a shadow over Harris' candidacy. The timing of this controversy could complicate the Harris camp’s efforts to present a unified and measured campaign, particularly as Trump remains a formidable presence on the Republican side.
These are not conspiratorial rantings from the deepest recesses of the internet. The author could have the nuclear codes and be responsible for decisions that will affect us all for decades. pic.twitter.com/zdmJ2fh7I6
— David Plouffe (@davidplouffe) August 11, 2024
The reemergence of this incendiary post also aligns with broader concerns over political discourse in America. Critics of Plouffe's comments argue that such language only deepens the nation’s divisions. They point out that calls for the "extermination" of political opponents, even in a metaphorical sense, can fuel dangerous actions, especially in the current environment of heightened political violence.
Plouffe has not publicly responded to the criticism following the resurgence of his post. However, the Harris campaign may need to address the issue as it gains traction among conservative outlets and social media users.
Republicans have long criticized Democrats for what they see as double standards when it comes to incendiary rhetoric, pointing to this latest incident as part of a broader pattern of left-wing hostility toward Trump and his supporters.
The political landscape heading into the 2024 election is as contentious as ever, and figures like Plouffe are likely to face increased scrutiny as both sides prepare for what promises to be a heated contest. While Plouffe’s experience is an asset to the Harris campaign, his past comments will undoubtedly serve as ammunition for opponents who aim to paint the Democrats as extreme.
I believe that David Plouffe and anyone else spreading the idea that Trump needs to be gotten rid of, needs to be arrested and charged with hate crimes.