In a week of split-screens and attack lines, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are looking to seize momentum during a battleground state blitz, while Donald Trump and JD Vance hope for the honeymoon high to wear off.
The striking difference in strategies is raising questions for analysts on both sides, balking at the Trump campaign's choice to send Vance on his own into Wisconsin and Michigan.
"Donald Trump is the guy that everyone has supported," said Republican strategist Jennifer Nassour. "JD Vance, I think there's so many mixed reviews on him. At the end of the day, Donald Trump is the person who has the base, and you can't replicate Trump."
"I think Donald Trump is back on his heels, is completely caught off-guard by the energy, the enthusiasm, the massive crowds the Democratic ticket is pulling," said Democratic strategist Jesse Mermell. "He doesn't know what to do."
Even without that presence, the former president has been workshopping attacks on Harris.
"She can't do an interview. She's barely competent," said Trump.
That focus on a lack of off-script moments from the current vice president has analysts like Nassour and Mermell split.
"We still have many, many months left to go, even in an abbreviated campaign," Mermell said. "I don't think that attack line is getting them anywhere."
"The thing with Kamala Harris is she has not been tested. She's been the vice president for three and a half years, and the Biden administration has done a great job keeping her in a back room and locked up," said Nassour.
The unique set of campaign dynamics will likely straighten out in the weeks ahead.
"They want to head into convention week riding a high, and so far, they're doing that," said Mermell.
"I think the only person who helps Donald Trump is Donald Trump," said Nassour.
There are 88 days remaining until the election, with voters heading to the polls on Nov. 5.
