Chethana Janith, Jadetimes Staff
C. Janith is a Jadetimes news reporter covering science and geopolitics.
On Wednesday afternoon, Kamala Harris addressed the public from the vice-presidential residence in Washington, D.C., delivering a pointed critique of her Republican presidential opponent.
She described Donald Trump as "increasingly unhinged and unstable," referencing remarks made by John Kelly, Trump's former Chief of Staff, in a recent interview.
Harris quoted Kelly, who characterized Trump as fitting the general definition of a fascist and noted that Trump had expressed admiration for Hitler on multiple occasions.
She asserted that her opponent sought "unchecked power" and was later asked during a town hall event whether she believed he was a "fascist." Her response was unequivocal: "Yes, I do."
Shortly after the town hall, Trump took to social media to claim that Harris's comments showed she was losing ground. He stated that she was "increasingly raising her rhetoric, going so far as to call me Adolf Hitler, and anything else that comes to her warped mind."
As political campaigns, especially the closely contested 2024 presidential race, enter the final stretch, candidates often resort to negative tactics. Such attacks can effectively motivate supporters to vote and disrupt their opponents' campaigns.
For Harris, her stronger criticism of Trump contrasts with the more optimistic tone she maintained earlier in her campaign. While she did warn at the Democratic convention about the dangers of a Trump presidency, she had largely avoided President Biden’s main message that Trump is a serious threat to American democracy.
Political strategist Matt Bennett from the centrist Democratic group Third Way explains that Harris's quick response to amplify Kelly’s negative portrayal of Trump reflects a tactical decision. "Everything she does now is tactical," he said. "The goal is to ensure that as many voters as possible know about what Kelly said."
Harris’s recent comments come as part of a broader campaign strategy aimed at attracting independent voters and moderate Republicans who might consider supporting the Democratic ticket. Polls indicate a very tight race, with no clear leader in key battleground states.
The suburbs near major cities in these battleground states, such as Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Phoenix - are home to many college-educated professionals who have traditionally leaned Republican. However, recent polls suggest they have reservations about supporting Trump again.
"Her strategy is to build a broad coalition and win over disaffected Republicans, those who feel they can't vote for Trump a second time," Bennett noted.
Devynn DeVelasco, a 20-year-old independent voter from Nebraska, is among those who have been persuaded by senior Republicans who once served under Trump but now consider him unfit for office. Although she hopes some Republicans will support Harris, she is concerned about growing fatigue over claims against the former president.
"When the reports about Kelly's comments came out, I wasn't shocked; it didn’t change much," DeVelasco said.
Republican strategist Denise Grace Gitsham noted that voters have heard similar criticisms of Trump since 2016, making new allegations unlikely to sway many opinions. "If you're voting against Donald Trump because you don't like his personality, you're already a decided voter," she explained. "But if you're focused on policies rather than personality, you'll likely support the candidate you felt did best while in office."
In recent days, both Harris and Trump have intensified their attacks. During a campaign swing through the Midwest, Harris repeatedly warned about the potential consequences of a Trump presidency on issues like abortion rights, healthcare, the economy, and foreign policy.
On Friday, she is scheduled to hold a rally in Texas, which she has described as a state that exemplifies the anti-abortion future if Trump returns to power. The following Tuesday, she plans to shift her focus to Washington, D.C., with a rally expected near the National Mall, where Trump spoke before some of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.
Meanwhile, Trump continues his barrage against Harris. At a town hall in North Carolina, he called her "lazy" and "stupid," claiming she became her party's nominee solely due to her ethnicity and gender. He also warned that "we may not have a country anymore" if Harris wins.
These comments are typical for Trump, who has consistently focused on attacking Democrats and promoting his core messages about immigration, trade, and the economy.
Harris’s strategy of targeting anti-Trump Republicans and independents carries risks, according to Democratic strategist Matt Bennett. "You always have to sacrifice one thing to promote another," he noted. "The candidate's time and advertising resources are extremely valuable, and how they are used is crucial."
Trump has remained a polarizing figure in American politics for over eight years. Most Americans have strong, ingrained opinions about him by now. If anti-Trump sentiment helps Harris succeed on election day, her current strategy will be deemed effective. If not, there will be rapid second-guessing.
