In the final days of a high-stakes presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris intensified her criticism of Republican rival Donald Trump, accusing him of fostering division and seeking “unchecked power”. Campaigning in the key swing state of Wisconsin, Harris outlined her vision for unity and bipartisanship while contrasting her approach with Trump’s, who she claims “pits Americans against one another”.
“America deserves better than what Donald Trump is offering,” Harris stated to reporters. “America deserves a president who understands our role and responsibility to our people and to the rest of the world to be a model,” she added.
With Election Day drawing near, Harris and Trump have ramped up their efforts, making closing arguments in battleground states that could determine the next president. Addressing her commitment to “common sense solutions”, Harris pledged to be a leader who represents all Americans and listens to diverse voices.
“As you have heard me say many times, my pledge to the American people is to pursue common sense solutions, to listen to those—even those who disagree with me, to listen to experts, and to be a president for all Americans,” she reiterated. Harris’ message emphasizes a contrast with Trump’s campaign, which she claims promotes division and focuses on political retribution.
“Donald Trump’s closing argument is very different. He pits Americans against one another,” she said. “He spends full time having Americans point their fingers at one another. And he spends a considerable amount of time plotting his revenge on his political opponents.” According to Harris, Trump’s rhetoric suggests he views political opponents as “enemies”, a mindset she argues is incompatible with effective leadership.
The vice president also expressed concern over Trump’s latest appointment to healthcare, pointing to his selection of an advisor who “routinely promoted junk science and crazy conspiracy theories” and once voiced support for a national abortion ban. “This is the exact last person in America who should be setting health care policy for America’s families and children,” Harris argued. She suggested that the choice reflects Trump’s unstable and divisive approach to governance.
Harris emphasized the growing contrast between the candidates, underscoring that, in her view, a president should work to unify rather than polarize the country. “His enemies list has grown longer, his rhetoric has grown more extreme, and he is even less focused than before on the needs and the concerns and the challenges facing the American people,” Harris said. This, she argued, not only impacts Americans but also affects the US image on the global stage.
Reflecting on her role as vice president, Harris highlighted the importance of representing democratic values on the world stage. “When we walk in those rooms representing the United States of America, we have the earned and self-appointed authority to talk about the importance of democracy and the rule of law,” she stated. Harris warned that Trump’s divisive tactics threaten to erode the global reputation of the United States as a democratic leader.
In response to a question about the stakes of the election, Harris pointed to her commitment to democracy. “There is a real contrast in this race when one looks at who stands for democracy and democratic principles and who does not,” she explained. “Donald Trump is talking about an enemies list… suggesting there should be retribution and severe consequences just because people disagree with him.”
(With inputs from PTI)