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Jimmy Williams
Vice President Kamala Harris has called for Americans to stop “pointing fingers at each other” in an appeal for unity ahead of Election Day. Speaking at a series of campaign events on Wednesday, Harris attempted to distance herself from President Joe Biden’s recent comments characterizing the rhetoric at former President Donald Trump’s rally as “garbage.” Biden’s remarks sparked backlash among conservatives and calls for clarification from the White House.
“We have an opportunity in this election to turn the page on a decade of Donald Trump, who has been trying to keep us divided and afraid of each other,” Harris told a crowd in Raleigh, North Carolina. “I am not looking to score political points. I am looking to make progress.”
Biden’s comments came during a Voto Latino campaign event, where he referenced a comedian’s controversial joke about Puerto Rico at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally. “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters,” Biden said, prompting an immediate response from Republicans who drew parallels to Hillary Clinton’s “basket of deplorables” remarks during the 2016 election.
The White House quickly clarified that Biden’s words were aimed at the negative language on display at Trump’s rally, not his supporters. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that the president “does not view Trump supporters or anybody who supports Trump as garbage.”
Campaigning in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, Harris reiterated her commitment to representing all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. Speaking to reporters before her Raleigh event, she noted, “I will represent all Americans, including those who don’t vote for me.”
As the vice president appeals to a broader base, including Republicans uneasy about supporting Trump, her message has attracted a diverse audience. A former Trump voter introduced Harris in North Carolina, describing her decision to cross the political aisle this election.
At a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, rally, Harris was interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters critical of her stance on Israel. Responding to the interruptions, she reaffirmed her commitment to democracy, saying, “Ours is about a fight for democracy and your right to be heard. That is what is on the line in this election.”
The Harris campaign has leaned into outreach efforts aimed at conservative voters, with Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, underscoring their campaign’s inclusive stance. “The vice president and I have made it absolutely clear that we want everyone as a part of this,” Walz told ABC’s Good Morning America. “Donald Trump’s divisive rhetoric is what needs to end.”
Throughout the day, Harris spoke of prioritizing progress and rebuilding public trust, aiming to highlight her platform’s focus on addressing economic and social issues over divisive rhetoric.
