Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have taken center stage in a week marked by contrasting campaign strategies and pointed criticisms. Trump began his week at a Pennsylvania McDonald's, serving fast food amid accusations he made regarding Harris's past employment at the chain, which he claimed without evidence to be false. Following this, he traveled to North Carolina to assess the damage from Hurricane Helene, where he reiterated unfounded claims about the federal government's disaster response, specifically targeting FEMA's allocation of resources.
In a stark contrast, Vice President Harris engaged in moderated discussions with former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney in Pennsylvania, emphasizing the fragility of democracy and the importance of safeguarding freedoms. Harris's week included public appearances, despite Trump's claims of her inactivity, as she participated in several television interviews.
The political landscape intensified midweek when Trump faced severe criticism from his former chief of staff, John Kelly. In interviews, Kelly described Trump as exhibiting \"fascist tendencies\" and recounted troubling remarks made by Trump regarding loyalty and military leadership, including a reference to needing generals akin to those of Hitler. Harris responded to Kelly's comments, labeling them as \"deeply troubling\" and expressing concern over Trump's desire for military loyalty that could undermine constitutional oaths.
As the week concluded, while Trump continued his campaign in Arizona and Las Vegas, Harris wrapped up her events with performances by high-profile artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Beyoncé, showcasing a more traditional campaign approach aimed at energizing voters. The contrasting styles of the two leaders highlight the ongoing political divide as they prepare for the upcoming election.