By Mary Jones and Tony Bruce | Tuesday, October 29, 2024 | 5 min read
In a final push toward election day, Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign has intensified its focus, preparing a powerful closing message that captures the stakes of the election. One recent, notable campaign ad frames the former president’s alleged fascistic tendencies, drawing on troubling quotes and behaviors from his time in office and recent rallies. This ad, intended to crystallize concerns about Trump’s authoritarianism, aims to counter his escalating rhetoric and align Harris’s message with democratic ideals.
The ad, which opens with a somber reflection on the potential threat Trump poses to democratic values, has stirred discussions within the Democratic Party. In the video, a series of analysts argue that Trump’s authoritarian traits are incompatible with American democracy. They point to his history of invoking military force against American citizens, admiration for dictators, and, controversially, past statements about figures like Hitler. The ad questions, “If left to his own devices, would he be a dictator?” and concludes with Harris’s voice affirming, “I approve this message.”
This approach represents a strategic choice for Harris’s campaign. While factual, the ad raises questions within her camp about its effectiveness in resonating with undecided voters. Many strategists wonder if attacking Trump’s extremism directly will sway voters or instead reinforce existing divides. However, others assert that it’s necessary to remind voters of the stakes, given Trump’s recent rally rhetoric and promises to upend the Constitution.
Trump’s Madison Square Garden Rally
At a recent rally at Madison Square Garden, Trump invoked past populist themes in a speech that alarmed many observers. His critiques of immigration policy, accompanied by graphic imagery and calls for aggressive reforms, drew unsettling comparisons to the German American Bund’s 1939 rally held in the same venue, which was notorious for its pro-Nazi sentiments. Notably, Trump’s remarks included accusations against immigrants, with his wife Melania—herself an immigrant with a distinct accent—standing by his side. Key speakers at the rally specifically targeted Puerto Ricans and other communities, alleging that “illegals” were being prioritized over American citizens. This rhetoric fueled claims about deteriorating conditions in New York City and raised significant concerns about the divisive language being used.
The echoes of Trump’s statements resonate with historical authoritarian rhetoric, raising alarm within the Harris campaign and the broader Democratic Party. In response, Harris’s recent ad campaign highlights these parallels, framing Trump’s language not only as inflammatory but also as a troubling reminder of past authoritarian movements. This strategy aims to confront the rising tide of divisiveness and underscore the potential consequences of such rhetoric in contemporary politics.
Economic Performance as a Campaign Focus
Harris’s camp is also pushing a message of economic achievement, with U.S. growth reportedly outpacing other G7 nations. The Biden-Harris administration has overseen significant legislative achievements—including green energy investments and infrastructure improvements—credited with creating a stable and productive economy. The Wall Street Journal and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlight that the U.S. economy has exceeded growth forecasts, with investor confidence and productivity rising, sheltering Americans from global economic shocks.
This economic success, the campaign argues, contrasts sharply with Trump’s promises to disrupt governmental norms. Publications such as The Wall Street Journal and The Economist have referred to the U.S. economy as “the envy of the world,” while The New York Times calls it the best job market in American history. This year could mark one of the most economically successful years in decades, in stark contrast to the fear-driven rhetoric emerging from the former president’s rallies.
Ultimately, this election will ask Americans to choose between two visions for the future. Harris’s message emphasizes the achievements and stability of the current administration, juxtaposed against Trump’s radical rhetoric. She argues that, despite a focus on Trump’s incendiary behavior, her administration’s legislative wins should also remain a central focus, impacting everything from economic stability to civil liberties. In Harris’s view, this election will decide whether America’s economic and democratic future continues its upward trajectory or takes a concerning turn into authoritarian governance.
However, as we approach the election, there are two significant wild cards that could impact the outcome. First, there’s a looming concern about potential efforts by the Republican Party to disrupt the electoral process if they perceive a loss. Reports indicate preparations for creating chaos and confusion, which could hinder a clear election result.
Second, the specter of foreign interference remains a pressing issue. In the past two elections, Russian operatives attempted to influence the outcomes in favor of Trump. This election cycle, there are indications that Russia is ramping up its efforts through tactics such as deep fake videos targeting prominent figures like Harris and disseminating misinformation.
Most concerning is the reported ongoing communication between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Bob Woodward’s recent reports reveal that Trump has engaged in multiple conversations with Putin since leaving office. Additionally, Elon Musk has been linked to high-ranking Russian officials involved in operations aimed at influencing American public opinion. These connections raise significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the motivations behind these interactions.
As we navigate this charged political landscape, the intersections between Trump, Musk, and Putin create a web of influence that demands our attention. As the election approaches, it is imperative that voters remain vigilant about the implications of these communications and their potential effects on our democracy. The stakes have never been higher, and understanding the dynamics at play will be crucial in determining the outcome of this pivotal election.
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