Harris Echoes Biden's Democracy Warning In 'Closing Argument'
Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, delivered a speech in the Washington Ellipse shortly after dusk, a week before Election Day. The crowd was the largest of her short candidacy, extending to and spilling out on the National Mall. Harris reminded the audience of former President Donald Trump, who she referred to as “a petty tyrant,” and his actions during his presidency.
President Biden did not attend the event, stating that it was Harris's night. However, the essence of her speech echoed Biden's repeated warnings about the threat to democracy.
Biden's Democracy Argument
Biden had previously expressed his goal to save democracy. As Trump continued to tighten his grip on the GOP, Biden's warnings became more frequent. He warned of an "extreme MAGA ideology" that could end self-government. He compared Trumpism to "semi-fascism" and described Trump as an aspiring "dictator". Despite his efforts, Biden consistently trailed behind Trump in the RealClearPolitics Average.
When Harris succeeded Biden as the Democratic nominee, she chose to focus on the concept of "freedom" and the everyday issues facing American families, rather than directly addressing Trump.
Harris Returns to Democracy Argument
Despite Harris's initial focus, voters still expressed serious concerns about the future of democracy. A recent New York Times/Ipsos poll found that three-quarters of Americans believe democracy is under threat. In response, Harris has returned to the democracy argument that Biden built.
During her speech, Harris described the upcoming election as part of the larger struggle over whether self-government can long survive. She urged the nation to preserve the freedoms that earlier generations had achieved.
Harris painted a dark picture of a potential second Trump presidency, accusing him of turning the military against his political opponents, cozying up to autocrats abroad, and curtailing freedoms like abortion at home. The Trump campaign disputes these characterizations.
Harris's Call to Action
In response to the perceived threat, Harris delivered a strong call to action. She urged the nation not to surrender their fundamental freedoms or submit to the will of another petty tyrant. She declared that the country would not be turned over to "wannabe dictators."
This type of rhetoric has been well-received by the left and was successful during the midterms. Democrats hope it can deliver the White House a second time. Republicans, however, argue that Harris is flirting with disaster. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have demanded that the vice president tone down her rhetoric.
Supporters Rally for Harris
Despite the criticism, the Democrats who turned out for Harris were not interested in a lecture from Republicans. Many blamed McConnell for not convicting Trump when he had the chance. They saw the return to the Ellipse as an attempt at catharsis.
Carrie Zimmerman, who traveled from Virginia for the rally, explained that she was there to do everything possible to get Kamala into the White House and keep Donald Trump from ever returning to the Oval Office.
Harris's Message of Unity
Despite adopting Biden's democracy argument, Harris called for unity in the Ellipse. She accused Trump of trying to keep the American people divided and afraid of each other. In contrast, she emphasized the unity of the nation, stating that "E Pluribus Unum – out of many, one – isn’t just a phrase on a dollar bill. It is a living truth at the heart of our nation.”
Bottom Line
The future of democracy remains a contentious issue in American politics. As the election approaches, Harris's speech echoes Biden's warnings about the threat to democracy. Whether this rhetoric will resonate with voters and deliver the White House a second time remains to be seen. What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6 pm.
