How is the performance supposed to benefit him? As soon as the “red line” is crossed and nothing happens, it makes him seem weak. Usually when being performative, you say something that has a plausible excuse when it doesn’t happen - or something that can’t be acted on until you’re elected. This was very poorly conceived, then.
The goal might be to seem weak. His campaign strategists are probably telling him that being weak will net him more democratic voters than not laying down a fake red line and seeming evil.
How is the performance supposed to benefit him? As soon as the “red line” is crossed and nothing happens, it makes him seem weak. Usually when being performative, you say something that has a plausible excuse when it doesn’t happen - or something that can’t be acted on until you’re elected. This was very poorly conceived, then.
The goal might be to seem weak. His campaign strategists are probably telling him that being weak will net him more democratic voters than not laying down a fake red line and seeming evil.