While Chicago is preparing for the Democratic Party Convention, the election campaign is intensifying in the key states. And Harris is reacting clearly to Trump’s latest rhetoric.
Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has countered the personal attacks of her Republican opponent Donald Trump with an indirect swipe at his leadership skills. Shortly before the start of the Democratic Party Convention, she and vice-candidate Tim Walz campaigned for votes in the contested state of Pennsylvania. The Democratic duo are to be celebrated in Chicago in the coming days with much pomp and prominent guests. Trump and his deputy JD Vance are meanwhile planning a counter-program in the particularly contested states.
In Pennsylvania, Harris and Walz traveled by bus, accompanied by their spouses Doug Emhoff and Gwen Walz. Together, the four visited a campaign office, a school football practice, a fire station and a restaurant.
Harris: “Anyone who puts others down is a coward”
In a speech to campaign workers in Rochester, Harris and Walz encouraged the volunteers present in their efforts. Harris indirectly criticized Trump’s campaign rhetoric. “Anyone who puts other people down is a coward,” said the Democrat, without mentioning Trump by name. True leaders are characterized by building others up. Walz, the governor of Minnesota, expressed himself similarly: “We don’t insult each other, we don’t do that,” said the vice president, regretting the political divide that can therefore also be felt in the everyday lives of many Americans.
The 78-year-old Republican Trump claimed on Saturday during an appearance in Pennsylvania that he looked “much better” than Harris and called the 59-year-old a “socialist lunatic” with the “laugh of a madwoman.” He described the current US government under President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris as “stupid.” The ex-president repeatedly makes headlines with such statements – contrary to the advice of allies to focus more on substantive criticism of the Democrats.
Democratic Party Convention begins in Chicago
After their appearances in Pennsylvania, Harris and Walz will continue straight away: In Chicago, Illinois, the final preparations for the four-day Democratic Party Convention are underway. More than 4,500 delegates from all states are expected. After US President Joe Biden withdrew from the election campaign, Harris’ official nomination as the party’s candidate should have taken place at the convention. However, for administrative reasons, the vote took place online in advance.
The main program of the party convention begins on Tuesday night in Germany. Numerous high-profile guests are expected, including Biden and former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Biden is scheduled to give a speech to the delegates on Monday evening (local time). The Democrats will also decide on their program for the election there. With the meeting, they want to give their duo momentum for the rest of the election campaign.
Because of the US electoral system, the election in early November will ultimately be decided in a few particularly contested states, the so-called swing states. They cannot be firmly assigned to the Republicans or the Democrats. Harris will also take time during the current party convention to canvass for votes in Illinois’ neighboring state, the swing state of Wisconsin.
Republicans with counter-program
Trump and Vance are also planning several appearances in the contested states. On Monday, the two will start at different locations in Pennsylvania, then on Tuesday Trump will travel to Michigan and Vance to Wisconsin. Over the course of the week, the Republicans’ calendar includes further events in North Carolina, Arizona, Georgia and Nevada.
Trump had already campaigned in Pennsylvania over the weekend. Speaking to supporters, he blamed Vice President Harris for what he saw as Biden’s failed economic and migration policies. He also focused on Harris’s once negative attitude towards natural gas extraction through fracking – an important industry in Pennsylvania – and promised greater support for fossil fuels.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
