On a sun-dappled October day in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, Kamala Harris took goal at what divides us.
The lies, partisanship, and GOP tribalism that emerged below Donald Trump are unparalleled. Proper-wing media has solely amplified these divisions, which have change into much more pronounced with the rise of social media.
However on Wednesday, Harris was joined by over 100 Republicans who gathered together with her to say they’ve “had enough” of MAGA.
“Thank you for your courage,” mentioned Harris to the ocean of Republican women and men standing together with her on the “country over party” rally.
“In a typical election year, you all being here with me might be a bit surprising, dare I say unusual. But not in this election, not in this election,” she mentioned. “In this race are the Democratic ideals that our founders and generations of Americans before us have fought for.”
Becoming a member of the vp had been former Trump aides and Republicans from state legislatures and Congress. Additionally in attendance had been staffers who labored for Sen. Mitt Romney and the late Sen. John McCain, in addition to aides who labored for the forty third and forty first presidents—George W. Bush and his father, George H.W. Bush.
Harris spoke in regards to the menace Trump poses to democracy, promised to uphold the Structure, and highlighted what actual patriotism seems to be like. She vowed to make her presidency one among bipartisanship in the case of passing laws, versus the dysfunctional, gridlocked GOP-led Home that’s obsessive about enjoying politics with out ever really governing.
“Nobody has a corner on the good ideas,” mentioned Harris as she pledged to incorporate a Republican in her Cupboard.
Previous Harris on stage was former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, one of many few Republicans to publicly oppose Trump throughout his presidency.
“I’ve always respected strength in leadership,” mentioned Kinzinger. “And Trump is the opposite of that. He’s a whiney, weak, small, tiny man that is scared to death.”
Fifth-generation Pennsylvania farmers, and lifelong Republicans, Bob and Christina Lang then spoke.
“I voted for [Trump] twice; it made sense, we were Republicans, we vote for the Republican candidate,” mentioned Bob Lang. “Christina was ahead of the learning curve. She only voted for him once.”
“We’ve had enough,” mentioned Chistina Lang. The couple described Jan. 6 as “the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Since asserting her candidacy, Harris has gained exceptional help from Republicans. She now has the backing of effectively over 200 former GOP officers, together with former Rep. Liz Cheney, who has actively campaigned for Harris, and Cheney’s infamous dad.
Whereas many Democrats might take a look at the forged of Republican characters with revulsion, Harris and her GOP buddies are displaying People that collaboration and mutual respect can pave a path ahead that transcends the divisive politics of latest years whereas making a united entrance in opposition to the harmful authoritarianism of Trump and his MAGA minions.
