Former President Donald Trump intensified his attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris during a rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, framing the 2024 presidential race as a contest not only against Harris but also against President Joe Biden. Trump used the rally to question Harris’ legitimacy as a candidate and to criticize the Democratic Party’s upcoming convention in Chicago, which he baselessly claimed is “rigged” because Biden isn’t on the ticket.
Trump Questions Harris’ Candidacy and DNC Legitimacy
At the rally, Trump repeatedly brought up Biden’s decision to drop out of the race, suggesting that it undermines Harris’ position as the Democratic nominee. “What happened to Biden? I was running against Biden, and now I’m running against someone else,” Trump said, as he cast doubt on Harris’ credentials and experience. He also used the opportunity to mock Biden’s debate skills, comparing him unfavorably to Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, who suffered a stroke.
Characterizing Harris as a “Radical Left Lunatic”
Trump sought to paint Harris as a far-left extremist, describing her as a “radical left lunatic” and criticizing her performance in the 2020 election cycle, where she failed to secure the Democratic nomination. Despite Harris’ recent surge in the polls, including a lead over Trump in key battleground states like Arizona and Pennsylvania, Trump attempted to discredit her by focusing on her economic plan, which she unveiled in North Carolina last Friday.
Criticism of Harris’ Economic Plan
Harris’ economic proposal, which includes offering up to $25,000 in down-payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and providing $6,000 per child to families during the first year of a child’s life, was a key target of Trump’s criticism. “She says she’s going to lower the cost of food and housing starting on Day One,” Trump said, before questioning why she hasn’t already done so, given her current position in the administration.
Trump warned that Harris’ plan, though it might sound politically appealing, was “very dangerous” and “communist.” He contrasted his approach by praising tariffs and promising to drive down prices in a “capitalist way.”
Continued Personal Attacks and Campaign Strategy
Despite advisers urging Trump to focus more on Harris’ policies rather than personal attacks, he made it clear during the rally that he had no intention of backing down from his rhetoric. “People say don’t use bad language. They say please don’t call people stupid, but they are stupid people,” Trump said as he continued his sharp criticisms of Harris. He also mocked her laugh, claiming it was the reason she hasn’t done any sit-down interviews since late June.
The Battle for Pennsylvania
Trump’s rally in Wilkes-Barre was part of a broader strategy to counterprogram the Democratic National Convention and to maintain his influence in Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state with 19 electoral votes. Both the Trump and Harris campaigns have heavily invested in Pennsylvania, with Trump returning to the state on Monday for events focused on the economy. Meanwhile, Harris, along with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, is set to embark on a bus tour of western Pennsylvania starting in Pittsburgh.
Trump Stumps for GOP Candidates
In addition to his attacks on Harris, Trump also used the rally to endorse Republican candidates in Pennsylvania, including Dave McCormick, who is running for U.S. Senate against incumbent Sen. Bob Casey. Trump acknowledged the challenge McCormick faces in running against an established politician but encouraged his supporters to “give him a chance.”
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