For the first time in what feels like forever, former President Donald Trump finds himself on the defensive, thanks to Vice President Kamala Harris’s strategic maneuvering.

In a scenario reminiscent of past political battles, Harris has managed to provoke Trump into a public meltdown, a move that highlights her ability to handle the former president more effectively than her predecessors.

In 2016, Hillary Clinton spent much of her campaign defending herself against Trump’s relentless attacks. She often found herself explaining, debunking conspiracy theories, and reacting to Trump’s bait.

This defensive posture was a key factor in her ultimate defeat. However, Harris has learned from these mistakes. Instead of reacting or getting flustered by Trump’s provocations—whether he calls her a “comrade,” a “communist,” or a “Marxist”—she remains calm and collected, refusing to engage on his terms.

This strategy seems to be driving Trump crazy. Harris’s latest move, addressing the controversy at Arlington National Cemetery, where Trump campaign staffers were reportedly involved in an altercation over unauthorized photography, has pushed Trump further into a defensive stance. Unlike Clinton, who might have tried to defend herself against such attacks, Harris took the opportunity to condemn Trump’s actions directly.

Trump’s staffers were caught taking photos in a federally prohibited area of Arlington National Cemetery, leading to an altercation with cemetery officials. This incident only reinforced the perception that Trump and his team have little respect for the sacrifices of those who served the country. Harris seized this moment, condemning Trump for what she described as a “disrespect of sacred ground.”

In her statement, Harris made it clear that she would not let this moment pass unnoticed. She criticized Trump’s team for their actions, calling it a political stunt and reminding the public of Trump’s past disrespectful comments about fallen soldiers. Harris’s approach is both bold and effective, contrasting sharply with Trump’s increasingly frantic attempts to defend himself.

Trump’s reaction to Harris’s statements has been intense and relentless. He has taken to social media, posting incessantly about the Arlington incident and attacking Harris with a barrage of insults. This public meltdown shows just how much Harris’s strategy is getting under his skin.

By refusing to be baited and instead seizing the opportunity to criticize Trump on her terms, Harris has shown a mastery of political strategy that could have significant implications for the ongoing campaign. As Trump struggles to regain control of the narrative, Harris continues to highlight his weaknesses, all while maintaining her composure.

This incident marks a significant shift in the dynamics between Trump and his political opponents. Harris’s ability to put Trump on the defensive and provoke him into a public meltdown is a testament to her political acumen. As the campaign continues, it will be interesting to see how this strategy plays out and whether it can keep Trump on the back foot as the election approaches.