"enthusiasm" of your side rather than trying to court the independent voters. Presidential election turn out is typically 50 to 60%. So getting those 20% of non-voters of your side to vote might be more important than trying to court the middle 20% (which might be middle 10% by now).

But I do think not coming out stronger to denounce the violent protest is a misplay by the left. I guess they don't want to sound like they are against the social justice movement in anyway and damper the enthusiasm. But it does leave the opening for the right to attack and increase the enthusiasm of their base. As much as I disagree with the tactic of sending Fed troops in, I think this is the right play by Trump. It keeps the protest and inner city violence protest in the front news, plays into voter's fear (which is big motivator in election) and highlight his difference from the left. I believe this is really the only path he has other than hoping for a miracle vaccine come out in the next month, allowing economy to bounce back right before the election.