In a CNN town hall moderated by Anderson Cooper on October 23, Vice President Kamala Harris labeled former President Donald Trump a “fascist” for the first time. The event, held in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, showed Harris attacking Trump and sidestepping questions about key issues affecting American citizens.
When asked directly by Cooper if she believes Trump is a fascist, Harris responded unequivocally, “Yes, I do. Yes, I do,” adding that those who know him best should be trusted on this subject.
The town halls showed Harris in a different light. Harris’s campaign strategy was focused on “joy” messaging. In the town hall, she moved away from her previous strategy and showed a more aggressive tone.
Critics argue that Harris’s focus on attacking Trump overlooks the pressing concerns facing Americans today.
Under the Biden-Harris administration, the nation has grappled with a series of challenges: an average 20 percent increase in costs across the board, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, attacks on Israel by Hamas and Iran, a surge of illegal migrants at the southern border, and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Mark Penn, a former adviser to Bill and Hillary Clinton, commented on Harris’s approach, suggesting that such attacks without offering unifying solutions may underscore a sense of desperation in her campaign.
“The renewed attacks do not present voters with a unifying message that candidates often transition to in the final weeks of presidential campaigns,” Penn noted.
Despite the town hall being an opportunity to address these significant issues, Harris dedicated a substantial portion of the event to criticizing Trump. She mentioned him by name 27 times within the 60-minute session and linked her responses to him in nine out of twelve audience questions.
While Harris did touch on themes of bipartisanship and practical solutions, especially regarding immigration and border security, some felt her responses lacked depth. When pressed by Cooper on why the administration hadn’t taken executive action sooner to address illegal immigration, Harris stated, “We were working with Congress and hoping that actually, we could have a long-term fix to the problem instead of a short-term fix.”
Polls indicate a nation divided and concerned. A recent Gallup survey found that 52 percent of Americans feel worse off today than they did four years ago under Trump’s leadership. In Pennsylvania, a pivotal swing state with 16 electoral votes, Harris and Trump are virtually tied, reflecting the tight race that could determine the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.
With over 26.5 million Americans having already cast their ballots, the focus now shifts to how each candidate addresses the electorate’s primary concerns. Harris’s decision to concentrate on attacking Trump may resonate with some voters, but others are looking for concrete solutions to the issues that impact their daily lives.
The American people are watching closely, seeking leadership that offers a hopeful and unifying path forward.