Vice President Kamala Harris intensifies her rhetoric against former President Donald Trump in the final days of the 2024 campaign, labeling him a “fascist” and “petty tyrant.”
At a Glance
- Harris shifts campaign strategy from “joy” to portraying Trump as a dangerous threat
- The Vice President publicly states her belief that Trump is a fascist
- Harris emphasizes warnings from former Trump advisers about his unfitness for office
- Trump responds on social media, accusing Harris of mischaracterizing her comments
- The intensity of Harris’s rhetoric aims to galvanize voters and shift the narrative
Harris’s Strategic Shift
Vice President Kamala Harris has taken a sharp turn in her campaign strategy, abandoning her initial message of “joy” in favor of a more aggressive approach against former President Donald Trump. As polls indicate a close race, Harris has intensified her rhetoric, characterizing Trump as a “fascist” and a “petty tyrant.” This shift began after Harris commented on claims made by John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff, regarding Trump’s alleged admiration for Hitler and dictatorial tendencies.
The Vice President’s campaign has strategically chosen to deliver these critiques at symbolic locations, such as the Ellipse, the site of Trump’s speech before the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. This calculated move aims to underscore the perceived threat Harris believes Trump poses to American democracy.
Accusations and Warnings
Harris has not held back in her characterization of the former president. She has accused Trump of having an “enemies list” and prioritizing the release of what she terms “violent extremists” from the January 6th events. The Vice President has described Trump as “unstable,” “obsessed with revenge,” and “consumed with grievance.”
“It is clear from John Kelly’s words that Donald Trump is someone who, I quote, ‘certainly falls into the general definition of fascist.’ Who vowed to be a dictator on day one and vowed to use the military as his personal militia to carry out his personal and political vendettas,” Harris said.
Harris’s stark warnings extend to claims that Trump would use the military against American citizens who disagree with him, painting a dire picture of a potential second Trump term.
Backing from Former Trump Officials
The Vice President’s campaign has sought to bolster its criticisms by highlighting statements from former Trump administration officials. John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff, has been quoted describing Trump as meeting “the general definition of a fascist” and noting Trump’s alleged admiration for dictators.
Harris has emphasized the importance of taking these warnings seriously, urging voters to consider the implications of returning Trump to office. This strategy aims to present Harris and her running mate as the clear alternative to what they portray as a dangerous and unstable Trump presidency.
Trump’s Response
The former president has not remained silent in the face of these accusations. Trump has taken to social media to respond, accusing Harris of escalating her rhetoric and misrepresenting her comments. This back-and-forth has further intensified the already heated political climate as the election approaches.
As the campaign enters its final stretch, both sides are pulling out all stops to sway voters. Harris’s aggressive stance against Trump underscores the high stakes of the election and the deeply divided nature of the American electorate. With polls showing a tight race, the impact of this intense rhetorical strategy remains to be seen as voters prepare to cast their ballots.