Trump Fires Up MAGA Base with Immigration Rhetoric, Attacks on Harris
Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, rallied his Make America Great Again (MAGA) base at a packed Madison Square Garden event in New York City, focusing his campaign on immigration and launching fierce attacks on his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, Al Jazeera reports.
During his speech, Trump reiterated his pledge to carry out the “largest deportation operation in United States history” if elected, painting a stark picture of a country facing economic and social crisis. He blamed Harris, whom he labelled a “radical left Marxist,” for the perceived problems, calling her “unintelligent” and “unfit” to be president.
“You’ve destroyed our country,” Trump declared, directly targeting the Vice President.
The rally, held just nine days before the November 5th election, comes as polls show a close race between Trump and Harris, with the outcome of the election hinging on several key battleground states, including Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
Trump was joined by a number of Republican allies, who echoed his harsh rhetoric, often engaging in personal attacks against Harris and using inflammatory language about migrants, immigrant communities, and perceived political opponents. One speaker even went so far as to call Harris “the devil.”
Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Vice President Harris sought to present a contrasting vision, focusing on portraying Trump as a divisive force in American politics. She emphasized the “high stakes” of the upcoming election, while adopting a more conciliatory tone than in previous events where she had accused Trump of being a “fascist” and “unhinged.”
This shift in tone may be a response to concerns from pro-Harris political action committees that her previous attacks were not resonating with voters.
Both campaigns are urging their supporters to turn out to vote in the final days before the election. Early voting is already underway, with over 41 million Americans casting ballots by midday on Sunday.
The outcome of this election will have significant consequences for the future of American politics and policy. The race is tight, and both candidates are actively trying to win over voters in crucial swing states. Trump will be holding a rally in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday, attempting to energize his base in a state he narrowly lost to President Joe Biden in 2020. Harris, meanwhile, will be heading to Michigan, another key battleground state, for a rally with her running mate, Tim Walz.
