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The Escalating Rhetoric in the Final Stretch of the U.S. Election

OVERVIEW:

With the U.S. election less than two weeks away, tensions between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have intensified. At a recent campaign event, Harris labeled Trump a "fascist," echoing criticism from Trump’s former Chief of Staff John Kelly, who also accused Trump of displaying authoritarian traits. Trump's response was dismissive, calling Harris a "woke mind" and a threat to democracy. As the campaigns target undecided voters, especially in battleground states, both candidates are adjusting their messages. Polls show a tight race, with Harris slightly ahead nationally but Trump holding leads in key states.

 

With less than two weeks remaining before the U.S. election, the political atmosphere is becoming increasingly heated, particularly between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. At a recent campaign event, Harris took a notably sharp tone, labeling Trump as a "fascist." This statement echoed the words of Trump's former Chief of Staff, John Kelly, who has publicly criticized the former president. Harris referenced Kelly's remarks, underscoring his characterization of Trump as someone who "certainly falls into the general definition of a fascist." She went on to warn that Trump, if re-elected, could become a dictator, using the military for personal and political vendettas. Trump's response on his social media platform, Truth Social, was swift, dismissing Harris as a "woke mind" and a "threat to democracy."

 

1. John Kelly's Criticism of Trump and the Definition of Fascism.

John Kelly, Trump’s longest-serving Chief of Staff, recently offered a candid and critical assessment of the former president, stating that Trump’s leadership aligns with the definition of fascism. Kelly emphasized Trump's authoritarian tendencies, centralization of power, and disregard for democratic norms, all traits associated with far-right ultra-nationalism. Fascism, as defined by Kelly and the academic community, involves a dictatorial leader, militarism, and the suppression of opposition. Kelly’s comments provided additional fuel for Harris’s attacks, as she positioned Trump as someone who poses a serious threat to American democracy.

 
2. Campaign Strategies and Voter Targeting.

As Election Day approaches, both the Harris and Trump campaigns are intensifying efforts to sway key voter demographics, especially in battleground states. The Harris campaign is focused on capturing undecided voters, particularly in critical states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina. According to Harris’s team, about 10% of voters in these swing states remain undecided. Harris is shaping her message to appeal to moderates, including those who previously voted for Trump, while highlighting Trump's perceived danger to democracy. On the other hand, Trump's campaign is primarily targeting his base, with a special focus on men, who are reportedly siding with him in greater numbers. Trump has also adjusted his language around divisive issues like abortion to broaden his appeal.

 

3. The Battle for Battleground States and Tight Polls.

The election will ultimately come down to the results in key battleground states, where polling shows a tight race. While national polling averages indicate that Harris holds a slight lead over Trump, the contest in states like Georgia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina remains highly competitive. Harris leads in three of these battleground states, while Trump has an edge in four. Both campaigns are acutely aware that these closely contested states will determine the outcome of the election. The final days of the campaign will likely see a continued sharpening of rhetoric, with both candidates trying to tip the balance in their favor.