Six days before the presidential elections in United States, Kamala Harris urged Americans to leave behind the chapter of Donald Trump and opt for “pragmatic leadership.” During his closing rally in Washingtonin it symbolic place where the former president spoke before the January 6 riots, the democratic candidate He directed a strong message against his Republican rival, whom he described as “unstable” and “obsessed with power.”
You may be interested in: Why does the popular vote not define the president in EU?
In an environment of tense calm, the vice president She stated that it is time to “abandon drama, fear and division” and promised to be a leader for everyone, even those who do not share her vision. “I don’t believe that those who disagree with me are the enemy,” he stated, contrasting with the Republican, whom he accused of “trying to use the armed forces against citizens who think differently.”
With polls showing a close race between both candidates, the Democrat appealed directly to the undecided voters, by stating that, if elected, her government would seek collective well-being and not that of “billionaire donors.”
You may be interested: Harris and Trump repeat key states to try to tip the balance
The contrast of generations between Harris y Trump was also addressed. With an age difference of 18 years, the Democrat stressed that the American Union needs a “new leadership” and declared herself ready to be “the next president of the United States.”
The speech was the most recent in his effort to convince citizens that the former president represents a risk to the stability of the nation. The vice president affirmed that the former president sowed for a yearIt’s divisive and fearful rhetoric.
In response, from Mar-a-Lago, The tycoon described his message as “hate” and dismissed his proposals as “misleading.”
With more than 50 million Americans having already cast their vote early, the next few days will be crucial in the battle to define who will occupy the White House.
You may be interested: Putin conditions link with EU after elections
Insult to Puerto Rico impacts Republican campaign
Donald Trump’s rally in New York became an obstacle for his presidential campaign, after including offensive comments from several speakers that sparked criticism. One of the most controversial moments was when comedian Tothe Hinchcliffe referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage,” a comment that was noted as a “racist attack” toward the Puerto Rican community.
In an attempt to contain the controversy, the Trump campaign distanced itself from the comments, stating that they “do not represent the views” of the former president. However, the conservative leader described the event as a “festival of love,” and his running mate, J.D. Vancedownplayed the offense by noting that Americans “should stop being offended by every little thing.”
The vice president Kamala Harris and the representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez They responded that this incident reaffirms the New York magnate’s divisive rhetoric. In turn, Puerto Rican figures such as Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez They urged people to vote for the Democratic candidate.
Related
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert on the 2024 U.S. Presidential Elections
Editor: Welcome to our special segment on the 2024 U.S. Presidential elections. Today, we have Dr. Angela Heywood, a political scientist and expert on electoral behavior. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Heywood.
Dr. Heywood: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Six days before the elections, Vice President Kamala Harris made a strong appeal to the American public. What do you make of her call to leave behind the chapter of Donald Trump and pursue “pragmatic leadership”?
Dr. Heywood: Harris’s message is aimed directly at the divided electorate. By urging voters to abandon “drama, fear, and division,” she is positioning herself as a unifying candidate. This is particularly vital in a close race, where indecision can swing the vote either way. Her push for pragmatic leadership indicates that she wants to focus on governance rather than the personalities involved.
Editor: In her rally, Harris characterized Trump as “unstable” and “obsessed with power.” How do you think this rhetoric impacts voter perception, especially among undecided voters?
Dr. Heywood: It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, framing Trump in such a negative light might reinforce the views of those who already oppose him. On the other hand, undecided voters might react negatively to what they perceive as personal attacks rather than substantive policy discussions. It’s crucial for her to balance these messages to appeal to voters who might be weary of partisan conflicts.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of appealing to undecided voters. Harris specifically described her potential administration as dedicated to collective well-being rather than serving “billionaire donors.” How effective do you think this appeal will be?
Dr. Heywood: This down-to-earth approach is a classic strategy in American politics, especially during tight races. Many voters increasingly distrust political elites and corporate interests. By emphasizing her commitment to the average American, Harris can cultivate a sense of trust and relatability. This is crucial, especially since we’re only weeks away from the election.
Editor: Harris also highlighted the generational contrast between herself and Trump. Why is this generational shift significant in the context of this election?
Dr. Heywood: A generational shift can indicate a move toward new ideas and policies that resonate with younger voters. Harris is not only promoting herself as a fresh face but also aligning her candidacy with the values and priorities of a younger demographic. This could mobilize younger voters who may feel disconnected from the older political establishment represented by Trump.
Editor: Following her statements, Trump dismissed Harris’s proposals as “misleading” and labeled her messages as “hate.” How do you anticipate such exchange of rhetoric will play out in the final stretch of the campaign?
Dr. Heywood: Expect more back-and-forth exchanges like this as both sides aim to define each other in the eyes of the electorate. While these exchanges can energize the base, they may alienate moderate and undecided voters. The key will be which candidate can better frame their narrative. As we’ve seen in past elections, effective communication can be more compelling than facts alone.
Editor: Lastly, with over 50 million Americans already voting early, what should we watch for in these final days leading to the election?
Dr. Heywood: Watch for shifts in campaign strategy as candidates respond to early voting trends. If turnout among certain demographics is much higher than expected, both Harris and Trump may pivot their messages or efforts to court specific voting blocs. Additionally, I wouldn’t be surprised to see increased efforts to engage undecided voters through targeted ads or town halls.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Heywood, for your insights into a rapidly evolving election landscape. This is truly a crucial moment in American politics, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds.
Dr. Heywood: Thank you for having me. It’s certainly an exciting time!