Vice President Kamala Harris made waves during her recent town hall meeting on CNN, where she didn't hold back on her views about former President Donald Trump, branding him "a fascist." This bold assertion came as she responded to alarming comments made by John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff, who expressed serious concerns about Trump's tendencies toward authoritarianism. The event unfolded amid the final lead-up to the elections, underscoring the high stakes for both parties as they attempt to sway undecided voters.
The town hall, hosted by Anderson Cooper, took place on October 23, 2024, in Aston, Pennsylvania, and was attended by voters who are still on the fence about whom to support. With the election date drawing near, Harris aimed to clarify her positions and respond to questions directly from the community. The timing of the town hall was strategic; Kelly's comments had stirred controversy just days prior, providing Harris with ready material to frame her narrative.
During the discussion, Harris reiterated her agreement with Kelly's assessment of Trump, saying emphatically, "Yes, I do." This response followed Cooper's prompt to share her thoughts on Kelly's description of Trump, highlighting concerns about his admiration for dictators, including Adolf Hitler. Kelly had spoken to The New York Times, detailing how Trump’s comments suggest authoritarian inclinations, marking his behavior as distinctly fascist. "He's certainly an authoritarian, admires people who are dictators. He has said this. So he certainly falls under the general definition of fascist, for sure," Kelly noted.
While discussing Kelly’s warning, Harris went on to suggest the former general’s remarks served as "a 911 call to the American people." She emphasized the importance of paying attention to such significant claims, particularly from someone who had served closely with Trump. Reflecting on why Kelly would bring this to public attention so close to the election, Harris posed, "Frankly, I think of it as... he's just putting out a 911 call to the American people."
Referencing various alarming statements made by Trump, including comments he’s made about wanting to terminate the Constitution, Harris argued this is concerning for anyone contemplating supporting him again. "No one standing behind the seal of the President of the United States should be saying they want to terminate the Constitution," she stated passionately during the session.
Throughout the evening, Harris seamlessly intertwined discussions of Trump’s controversial statements with her campaign’s vision for the future. Her rhetoric steered clear of overly aggressive accusations, maintaining focus on messaging about solutions rather than just criticisms. She expressed confidence about her own qualifications and the direction her administration would take emphasizing practical solutions.
Addressing immigration issues, Harris was pressed by Cooper about her previous criticisms of Trump's border wall, where she had called it "stupid" and "useless." Yet now, with her bipartisan immigration bill containing funding for border security, she sought to pivot her stance. "Remember, Trump said Mexico would pay for it? Well, they didn’t. How much did he build? I think the last number I saw is about 2%," Harris remarked, aiming to position herself as grounded in practicality.
Harris was also asked about her healthcare policies and plans to protect small business owners, telling the attendees, "My plan and my approach says you shouldn’t have to wipe out all your savings to qualify for Medicaid." She emphasized the need to reform the healthcare sector to cater to families needing assistance without jeopardizing financial stability.
Despite these policy discussions, Harris couldn't escape being on the defensive. When pushed about why the Biden administration hadn’t taken more decisive action sooner, especially on the issue of immigration, she maintained the line of reasoning centered on the need for comprehensive legislative solutions instead of quick fixes.
The town hall showcased Harris’s attempts to connect with voters on personal issues, reinforcing her image as empathetic and relatable. She shared anecdotes from her life, interlacing her experiences as both a mother and caretaker with her political agenda, trying to highlight how her leadership would differ from Biden's. "My administration will not be a continuation of the Biden administration. I represent a new generation of leadership," she declared, clarifying her vision and commitment to addressing pressing challenges.
Meanwhile, across the country, Trump continued to rally his support base, addressing conservative voters at events like his recent faith-based town hall meeting. His approach focused on appealing to religious values and patriotism to dominate the narrative, drawing stark contrasts with Harris's more complex narrative filled with policy challenges.
Trump was seen fielding questions from cheering crowds, positioning himself as firmly on the side of traditional American values, which he believes gives him the edge over his opponents. "When you have faith, when you believe in God, it's a big advantage over people who don’t have it. It’s a big advantage," he rectified, amid the applause from supporters.
This juxtaposition of approaches highlighted the stark divide between how both candidates are seeking to connect with voters. Harris’s strategy emphasized transparency and policy insight, countering the more flamboyant, but less detailed speeches made by Trump. She advocates for clarity, direct engagement, and, most critically, drawing parallels between Trump's past behaviors and his potential future actions should he reclaim the presidency.
Approaching the final days leading to the election, the stakes couldn't be higher. Harris's strong denunciation of Trump as 'a fascist' is sure to resonate with those wary of extremism. Her challenge, yet to see if it resonates among undecided voters who might still lean toward Trump’s promises of strong leadership and returning America to what he calls fundamental values.
Finally, the narrative surrounding Trump and his threats to democracy looms large, demanding consistent dialogue from Harris and her supporters. With the election just around the corner, her campaign will undoubtedly focus on these issues as they try to sway those who remain unsure about their electoral choice.
