In her most forceful appeal yet to warn about Donald Trump’s autocratic tendencies, Vice President Kamala Harris referenced top military adviser General Mark Milley’s assessment of him as “fascist to the core” in a speech inviting Republicans to join her presidential campaign. Harris highlighted that numerous former officials, including two defense secretaries, his former chief of staff, and even his own vice president, have warned against Trump’s unfitness for office. Milley’s damning remarks were included in Bob Woodward’s upcoming book, “War,” where he labeled Trump as the most dangerous threat to the country.
Harris was supported on stage by former Republican members of Congress such as Jim Greenwood, David Trott, and Barbara Comstock, as well as former aides to Republican presidents from Ronald Reagan to John McCain. She delivered her speech in Washington’s Crossing, a crucial suburb in Philadelphia with college-educated Republicans who could potentially provide Harris with a winning margin in a swing state. This marks the second time in as many days that Harris has referred to Trump’s actions and views as resembling fascism, a form of autocratic rule synonymous with infamous dictators like Mussolini and Hitler.
The Vice President’s direct outreach to Republicans underscores her campaign’s belief in the sizable number of mainline GOP voters who have turned away from Trump, especially after his Jan. 6 coup attempt. Harris emphasized Trump’s actions leading up to and on Jan. 6, detailing how his efforts to overturn the election results could have succeeded with a more compliant vice president. She condemned Trump’s attacks on American democracy and his threats to employ the military against citizens he perceives as enemies, such as journalists and election officials, showcasing his increasingly erratic and power-hungry behavior.
Harris reiterated her promise to include a Republican in her cabinet and expressed a commitment to governing in a more pragmatic and bipartisan manner. She closed her speech with a quote from former GOP leader Ronald Reagan and John Winthrop, emphasizing her belief in fighting for the ideals and principles of the United States. The event, attended by former Republican officials who renounced their support for Trump after the Jan. 6 events, highlighted Harris’ appeal to a broader coalition of voters concerned about the threat posed by Trump’s authoritarian inclinations.
In a nod to the potential for a cross-party alliance against Trump, Harris emphasized the need for unity and collaboration among all Americans who value democracy and the rule of law. Her assertion that Trump’s actions could result in an erosion of fundamental American freedoms struck a chord with the audience, particularly those who had previously supported Trump but were disillusioned by his behavior. By invoking the historical significance of the United States as a symbol of democracy and advocating for a government that upholds bipartisan values, Harris sought to position her campaign as a unifying force against the authoritarian tendencies of the former president.
As the 2024 presidential race intensifies, Harris’ strategic appeal to disaffected Republicans and disillusioned former Trump supporters underscores the growing concern over the threat posed by Trump’s potential return to power. By highlighting the dangers of unchecked authoritarianism and aligning with voices from across the political spectrum, Harris aims to build a broad coalition that transcends party lines in defense of American democracy. Her commitment to inclusive governance and bipartisan cooperation stands in stark contrast to Trump’s divisive rhetoric and tendencies towards authoritarianism, offering a vision of leadership that prioritizes unity, integrity, and the preservation of democratic norms.
