On October 31, 2024, with just 7 days left until the election day, Kamala Harris made her closing arguments in a speech on Tuesday, continuing to criticize Donald Trump for threatening American democracy, being obsessed with revenge against opponents, and prioritizing personal interests over national interests. She vowed to put the country above party lines.
Meanwhile, Trump held an event at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, outlining his governing philosophy and policy proposals, countering Harris’ momentum from a distance.
Currently, American voters are weighing two drastically different leadership styles and visions for the future as they make their final decision.
Harris chose the Ellipse near the White House as the location for her event on Tuesday, aiming to remind supporters that Trump spoke there on January 6, 2021, claiming the election was stolen, which led to the Capitol riot.
In a recent interview with NBC, Harris said, “Donald Trump has been trying to overturn… a free and fair election, and he still denies the will of the people.”
She accused Trump of “spending a decade trying to divide and scare Americans.”
Harris emphasized that her opponent prioritizes personal interests over national interests.
She said, “That’s who he is, but I’m here tonight to say, that’s not our style. I promise to be a president for all Americans, always putting the country above party and personal interests.”
Senior advisor Jen O’Malley Dillon pointed out that Harris’ closing arguments aim to attract undecided voters, including moderate Republicans.
“We know that there are still many voters who are undecided, unsure who to support or whether to vote, and the outcome of this election is very close. We call it a neck-and-neck race that will be decided in the final week,” O’Malley Dillon said.
Harris has mostly shed the “joyful” campaign style she embraced earlier this summer when entering the presidential race. However, attacking Trump to shake his supporters has always been a focal point of her campaign. She consistently portrays Trump as driven by revenge and hatred rather than making commitments to the people.
During her Tuesday event, Harris said, “This person is unstable, obsessed with revenge, full of hatred, pursuing unrestrained power, not a presidential candidate considering how to improve your life.”
She reached out directly to Republican voters, promising to listen to those who did not vote for her if elected. She previously stated she would include a Republican in her cabinet.
She said, “Unlike Donald Trump, I don’t view people who disagree with me as enemies. He wants to lock them up, and I’ll give them a seat.”
Before her speech on Tuesday, the Democratic campaign team realized criticism from the far-left within the party about Harris focusing too much on pleasing moderate Republicans. They urged Harris to place more emphasis on working-class priorities rather than how Trump threatens American democracy.
They believed Harris should highlight the policy differences between her and Trump, conveying the most robust message to voters.
Pennsylvania Governor and Democrat Josh Shapiro emphasized the importance of reminding battleground state voters of the different outcomes their choices will bring this fall, and whether Harris can “truly convey the importance of this election and the sharp contrast in the campaign with (Trump).”
Ultimately, Harris’ speech aimed to connect these two issues. She attacked Trump for threatening democracy but also pledged action to address issues like high grocery prices and help first-time homebuyers with down payments.
Shapiro voiced support for Harris, stating voters can “hear arguments about freedom and things affecting their wallets simultaneously. I think she’s definitely capable of handling both.”
He added that Harris is more convincing on economic policies, reproductive freedom, governance in chaos, and restoring order. He said, “She has a vision that will bring more order, hope, and happiness.”
Earlier on October 27, Trump held a grand rally at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, where he called his Democratic opponent a “destroyer.” Trump highlighted his business acumen, foresight, and charisma at the rally, pledging to restore the economy and borders, defying all norms without hesitation.
In comparison to Harris’ team, Trump’s team focuses more on energizing his base of Republican voters and reaching occasional voters in politics who feel disillusioned about the country’s direction and seek change.
Recently, Trump has frequently advocated his governing philosophy with a simple question that transcends political boundaries: “Are your days better than they were four years ago?”
Despite the ravaging impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and significant economic losses during Trump’s final year in office, recent polls show that a majority of voters are dissatisfied with the current state of the economy and many have turned to Trump.
Moreover, Trump has pledged to launch the largest illegal immigrant expulsion action in American history and impose high tariffs to increase revenue, protect and revitalize American manufacturing.
During his campaign, Trump is also striving to present himself as a leader who cares for and loves the people, describing his event at Madison Square Garden as a “feast of love” and an expression of “love for our country.”
Trump described the hours-long Sunday event as being loved like never before. His family, top aides, and supporters, including billionaire Elon Musk, television psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw, and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, attended the event.
However, invited comedian Tony Hinchcliffe caused controversy among Democratic voters by referring to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage” during the event, seen as an insult to minority communities.
Yet, Trump’s senior campaign advisor Danielle Alvarez later clarified in a statement that the comedian’s remarks about Puerto Rico do not “reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.”
On Tuesday, the former president also gave a negative assessment of Harris’ leadership abilities, stating she “erased” national borders, “destroyed the middle class,” brought “bloodshed and filth” to major cities, and incited “wars and chaos” around the world.
Addressing dozens of supporters gathered at his Florida estate, Trump said, “Anyone who has caused this much destruction and death at home and abroad should not be allowed to be President of the United States.”
Trump’s senior advisor Jason Miller mentioned that Trump has outlined plans to restore the economy, secure the southern border, and “improve people’s daily lives.”
He said, “Harris hasn’t done any of that. The message she and her campaign team convey is despairing, full of personal attacks, without explaining what actions they will take to help Americans. They present a stark contrast with (Trump).”
In comparison to Harris, Trump’s campaign team is more focused on articulating the former president’s political agenda and governance plans, especially regarding the economy and border security, to inspire his base voters.
Trump’s well-known economic policies include implementing high tariffs, restoring and expanding traditional energy exploration, as well as revitalizing American manufacturing.
(This article is based on reporting from The Associated Press)