Former Vice President Kamala Harris posted a video on social media Thursday urging Democrats to turn out in large numbers for the November midterms, warning that Republicans are "trying to cheat" while echoing President Donald Trump's signature "too big to rig" rallying cry. The video drew immediate criticism from conservative voices who mocked her use of the phrase.
The post came as federal courts continue to litigate the Trump administration's mail-ballot policies ahead of the midterm elections. Harris pointed to this week's Supreme Court ruling allowing parts of Trump's mail-voting order to move forward while legal challenges continue, and a subsequent federal judge decision temporarily blocking enforcement of new Postal Service requirements.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive allies of Harris framed her message as a straightforward call to protect voting access. Supporters argued that warning about potential obstacles to mail voting is a legitimate get-out-the-vote strategy rather than copying anyone's rhetoric. Some Democratic strategists noted that using widely understood phrases to mobilize voters is standard political practice and does not represent plagiarism of ideology.
"Vice President Harris is focused on ensuring every eligible voter can cast a ballot this November," said one Democratic operative who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategies. "When the administration is actively trying to restrict mail voting while its own officials vote by mail, that's exactly the kind of information voters need."
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative critics were swift in their condemnation. TPUSA Spokesman Andrew Kolvet wrote on social media: "Kamala Harris has never had an original thought in her life." The post accumulated significant engagement from conservative accounts.
Other Republican voices echoed similar sentiments. Conservative commentator Shawn Farash posted: "Nice to know she's still stealing Trump's ideas." Turning Point show host Jobob Taeleifi responded simply: "Sounds familiar." The account End Wokeness wrote: "47 seconds. 15 jump cuts. She must be high as a kite," suggesting production issues with the video.
Republican National Committee communications staff pointed to Harris's remarks as evidence of what they described as Democratic desperation heading into the midterms, arguing that copying Trump's language signals weakness rather than leadership.
What the Numbers Show
Trump first used "too big to rig" during his 2024 presidential campaign, after years of claiming without evidence that the 2020 election was stolen from him. The phrase became a staple at his rallies and in Republican messaging about election integrity.
On Monday, the Supreme Court allowed parts of Trump's mail-voting executive order to proceed while litigation continues. On Thursday, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Postal Service from enforcing new mail-ballot requirements, setting up another round of court battles before November's elections. Trump himself has voted by mail from Mar-A-Lago, which Harris noted in her video.
FOX News polling released this week showed Trump's approval rating at a new low amid economic concerns heading into the midterm cycle.
The Bottom Line
Harris's video represents an aggressive Democratic push to frame voting access as a central midterm issue. Her use of Trump's own language reflects both a rhetorical strategy and a pointed critique: if Republicans are raising questions about election integrity, Democrats can use those same frames to mobilize their base around mail-voting protections.
The ongoing court battles over mail-ballot procedures will likely remain in the news through November. Both parties have signaled that voting access and election security will be central themes in the final weeks before Election Day. Harris's office did not respond to requests for additional comment on the criticism of her video.