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Harris Hits Back at Trump Over Armed Forces Remark Amid Pennsylvania Showdown
ERIE, Pa. — Vice President Kamala Harris is rallying against former President Donald Trump’s recent comments that suggest using the U.S. military to address what he termed “the enemy from within.” This exchange reflects an escalating battle for support in Pennsylvania, a critical state for the upcoming presidential election.
Speaking to supporters, Harris labeled Trump as a serious threat to American democracy and accused him of seeking unchecked power. “He considers anyone who doesn’t support him or who will not bend to his will an enemy of our country,” she asserted, highlighting Trump’s rhetoric through a video clip during her event in Erie.
As both candidates intensify their campaigns, Harris’s focus remains on undecided voters while attempting to sway conservative-leaning individuals. This marked Harris’s tenth visit to Pennsylvania this election season, while Trump is actively campaigning in the state as well, including a recent town hall meeting in suburban Philadelphia.
In a Fox News interview, Trump remarked about potential disruptions on Election Day, pointing out dangers he perceives within the country. “We have some very bad people. We have some sick people, radical left lunatics. And I think they’re the big — and it should be very easily handled by, if necessary, by National Guard, or if really necessary, by the military, because they can’t let that happen,” Trump stated.
Senator JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, defended these comments during a campaign stop, suggesting that government assets might be necessary to address civil unrest. “Is it a justifiable use of those assets if they’re rioting and looting and burning cities down to the ground? Of course it is,” he said.
Pennsylvania remains a focal point for both parties, with deeply divided political sentiments. Trump narrowly won the state in 2016, but Joe Biden’s victory in 2020 underscored the shifting dynamics in the region. Both candidates understand that every vote will count in such a closely contested battleground.
During his town hall, Trump addressed local concerns, mentioning regulatory burdens that inhibit homeownership. He reiterated his commitment to increasing domestic oil production as a strategy to lower costs, despite current production levels hitting record highs. “We’re going to drill baby drill,” he pledged, further asserting that various government statistics are being manipulated to mislead voters.
Coinciding with her rally, Harris emphasized the importance of early voting, urging supporters to return their mail-in ballots promptly. Early voting is crucial, especially as Pennsylvania anticipates a high number of participants in the presidential race.
Additionally, Harris visited a new Black-owned coffee shop in Erie as part of her campaign outreach strategy aimed at engaging Black men, a voter demographic that could be significant in this election. This follows the recent launch of her campaign’s plan to enhance economic opportunities for Black men.
Pennsylvania has garnered unprecedented attention, with campaigns making frequent stops in the state. This intensification reflects the fierce competition to reclaim aspects of the traditional Democratic base while challenging the Republican foothold.
While political enthusiasm is palpable among Trump’s supporters, some remain cautiously optimistic about Harris’s potential impact. Luther Manus, a 97-year-old veteran, commended Harris but expressed skepticism regarding her ability to navigate a polarized Congress if elected. “If they give her a Democratic Senate and a Democratic House, she’ll be able to do much of what she said,” he remarked, highlighting the challenges of bipartisan governance.