Addressing a gathering in Erie, Pa., on the final Saturday of September, former president Donald Trump criticized his Democratic rival.

"He became mentally impaired, Crooked Joe Biden — sad. But honestly, I believe Lyin' Kamala Harris was born that way," he stated, while mispronouncing the Democratic presidential nominee's name as the audience laughed. "There's something wrong with Kamala, and I just don't know what it is, but there is definitely something missing."

A further, more direct evaluation was given ten minutes later, with a caution that the country's immigration system was being mishandled by individuals like Kamala whom he described as "stupid."

He called her a "stupid person" before reiterating the description for emphasis.

Since Harris became the Democratic nominee in July, Trump has frequently criticized her intelligence, labeling her as "dumb," "mentally unfit," "slow," "stupid," and an "extremely low IQ person," among other similar insults.

If Harris is elected, she would become the first female president and the first female president of color, as she is Black and Indian American. Trump's repeated attacks on her intelligence go beyond just insults, which is especially noteworthy considering Harris's impressive background: she has previously served as the San Francisco district attorney, California attorney general, U.S. senator, and is currently the vice president. She holds a bachelor's degree from Howard University and a law degree from the University of California. Additionally, polling and focus groups widely recognized her strong performance in the September 10 debate against Trump.

A'shanti Gholar, president of Emerge, an organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office, noted that the impact is different when such comments are directed at women of color, as it implies a refusal to accept them outside of preconceived stereotypes.

She highlighted the historical perception of Black individuals and Black women in the United States, emphasizing the belief that they are not intelligent or capable enough and that their success is solely due to affirmative action. Criticizing people of color or the vice president, she argued, ultimately reveals deep-seated biases.

The Trump campaign dismissed the suggestion that Trump's remarks questioning Harris's intelligence were racist or sexist, stating, "Only individuals who are unintelligent or have a low IQ would take offense, using fake outrage as a way to justify their own insecure and miserable existence. Intelligence is not determined by race or gender, but rather by Kamala Harris's lack of qualifications and the negative impact she has had on America."

Harris has expressed doubts about Trump’s mental sharpness and suitability for the role, albeit using less harsh language and insults. During an interview with journalist Roland Martin last Monday, Harris alleged that Trump’s staff is purposefully keeping him out of the public eye, pointing out that he recently backed out of a CBS “60 Minutes” interview, declined a second debate with her, and has not disclosed his medical records.

"Why are his staff taking these actions?" she questioned. "It could be because they believe he's simply not prepared, and is unsuitable and unsteady."

Trump's jabs at Harris's intelligence began to escalate almost immediately after President Joe Biden withdrew from his reelection campaign on July 21 and endorsed her. The very next day, Trump referred to Harris as "Dumb as a Rock" in a social media post.

In a speech to the white-tie crowd, Trump criticized the speaking abilities and mental faculties of the current White House occupant, likening them to that of a child. He then shifted the focus to Kamala Harris, questioning her intelligence and cognitive abilities.

During an interview at the Chicago Economic Club, Trump remarked that Harris is not as intelligent as Biden. He also took to social media to challenge her to a test on cognitive stamina and agility, and criticized her recent appearance on "60 Minutes" as slow and lethargic.

Trump's criticisms of Harris's intelligence are frequent, with some days seeing multiple attacks. At the Detroit Economic Club, he referred to her as "dumber than hell," and in Reading, Pa., he warned against having another "dumb president," suggesting that people are realizing she lacks intelligence.

He continued by saying that one of his staff members, a kind person, advised him not to call her dumb as it wouldn't be well-received by women.

Trump has faced challenges with both Black and female voters. According to an NBC News poll of registered voters conducted recently, 55 percent of women preferred Harris, while 41 percent preferred Trump, giving Harris a 14-point margin. The same poll also revealed that Harris has strong support among Black voters, with 84 percent preferring her over the 11 percent who favor Trump. However, Trump has slightly improved his standing among Black women, causing concern for the Harris campaign and Democrats.

Despite receiving advice to refrain from criticizing Harris's intelligence, Trump has chosen not to follow it. One confidant, speaking anonymously to share an honest insight, noted that Trump doesn't see Harris as a worthy opponent and therefore doesn't respect her.

The Harris campaign chose not to provide answers to inquiries regarding Trump's questioning of her intelligence. Her team has mainly adopted the vice president's stance: not emphasizing the potentially historic aspect of her candidacy as the potential first woman of color to be president, while also dismissing Trump's attacks as "the same old tired playbook" that has left Americans worn out and ready for change.

Recently, Harris alleged that Trump's staff is keeping him hidden, asking a large crowd in Greenville, N.C.: "Are they concerned that people will realize he is too feeble and unstable to lead America?"

Trump's supporters are not deterred by these criticisms and actually agree with and support them. Julie Apfelbaum, a Republican who attended Trump’s recent Coachella rally in Harris’s home state of California, expressed her belief that Trump’s criticisms of Harris are completely warranted.

According to Apfelbaum, a Thousand Oaks, Calif., insurance broker, Harris is unintelligent and her speeches are incoherent. She imitated Harris speaking and stated that after hearing her, it's difficult to understand what she said as it seems like a bunch of nonsense.

During the Coachella rally, the audience joined in with Trump's speech by shouting insults at Harris. One man even stood up to yell that Harris was less intelligent than a rock, and someone else responded that it was inappropriate to insult rocks.