With nearly 30 million votes cast, the U.S. elections are intensifying as Trump gains momentum while Harris’s support dwindles. In response to concerns, Harris’s camp has escalated rhetoric, branding Trump as a fascist, a claim echoed by former Chief of Staff John Kelly. While some Republicans express internal conflict over Trump, the use of such drastic accusations raises questions about timing and effectiveness. The final electoral strategy may hinge on resonating with undecided voters while avoiding alienation.
The election season in the United States is in full swing, with nearly 30 million citizens already having cast their ballots. Each day, that number continues to rise, leading to cemented opinions and divided camps. Polling data shows a statistical deadlock for both Trump and Harris in critical swing states, though Trump seems to have gained some momentum recently, overshadowing Harris, who has slipped from her previous lead.
This growing anxiety among Harris’s supporters has prompted a surge in intense rhetoric. A significant claim this week was the accusation of fascism directed at Trump. This conversation was sparked by former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly in an interview. He ominously warned of the dangers of a second Trump administration, asserting that Trump embodies all the traits of a fascist leader, suggesting he would govern as a dictator without regard for the constitution or legal norms.
Kelly has previously described Trump’s harsh character in his 2023 book and various interviews. What’s new is Kelly’s allegation that Trump has made favorable remarks about Hitler during their conversations. Harris took this a step further, boldly stating, “Yes, Trump is a fascist,” during a CNN appearance, causing the comments to become a viral sensation.
Targeting Uncertain Republicans
The narrative surrounding Trump’s supposed fascism appears aimed explicitly at independent and Republican voters who are ambivalent about Trump, grappling with their loyalty to the party versus their moral compass. As the election campaign intensifies, Harris is increasingly being backed by prominent anti-Trump Republicans, including Liz Cheney and John Kelly.
There are indeed compelling reasons to view Trump’s potential return to the presidency as alarming. His campaign rhetoric has reached considerable heights of disdain for human decency, and many of his policy promises raise eyebrows. For instance, he has proposed disregarding the Posse Comitatus Act to deploy military force instead of law enforcement to maintain order in American cities and manage immigration. He labels political rivals as internal enemies who need to be targeted. Additionally, he has plans to drastically cut the civil service and appoint loyalists to key positions. His behavior surrounding the last election and the events of January 6 serve as a cautionary tale regarding his understanding of democratic principles.
However, resorting to such extreme labeling as “fascist” risks being perceived as overblown or panicked. The comparison to Hitler, in particular, is problematic not only in its historical inaccuracy but also because Trump’s presidency had its share of chaos and missteps. While he certainly attempted to sidestep legal boundaries, he has not pursued expansionist policies akin to a lebensraum agenda or orchestrated a genocide.
The Timing of the Accusations
If Kamala Harris genuinely believes that Donald Trump embodies modern fascism, one must question why this issue is only surfacing now. Why is it being discussed for the first time by John Kelly in relation to Trump’s alleged admiration for Hitler? The timing of these serious accusations seems questionable, arriving rather late in the campaign. This isn’t a new tactic; Joe Biden initiated his campaign with similar apocalyptic rhetoric, and Harris appears to be adopting a similar tone after what had been a more lighthearted summer.
With the growing uncertainty about her campaign’s direction, the temptation to alarm voters escalates. The invocation of fascism should be approached with caution, as overuse may dull its impact. Among Republicans, the majority remain steadfastly supportive of Trump and may view such warnings as personal attacks. Ultimately, the challenge lies in determining whether Harris’s strategy will resonate with undecided voters or alienate more constituents than it attracts. In the end, it all boils down to style, particularly when facing an opponent like Donald Trump.