Staff Reports
The spectacle of a handshake between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has just graced the headlines yet again, bringing a curious sense of irony to a world that often feels like it’s spinning out of control. Just hours after they debated in the City of Brotherly Love, these two political heavyweights found themselves in the same locale for the solemn 9/11 anniversary ceremony in New York. Call it a bipartisan bonding moment, or simply a case of political necessity, but surely it wasn’t lost on anyone that this sudden display of camaraderie came against a backdrop of increasing political division.
Harris, Trump shake hands again at 9/11 ceremonyhttps://t.co/tyXTIhKTYP pic.twitter.com/3yXPoJw3WN
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) September 12, 2024
Standing in a lineup that included Senator Chuck Schumer and President Biden, Ms. Harris decided to break the digital-age vibe of cold, heartless politics with a good old-fashioned handshake. Meanwhile, Trump was nearby, flanked by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The image of the vice president reaching across the aisle—literally—to grasp Trump’s hand could be interpreted as an attempt at unification or a desperate photo op from a party desperate for any sign of positive public relations.
As the two shook hands, it was amusing to note that Trump placed his hand atop Harris’s, perhaps signaling that in a world where the Democrats and their allies thrive on identity politics, he still manages to maintain a level of dominance even in such a mundane interaction. One can only imagine the whispered exchange between the two—what could the ex-President have possibly said? Perhaps something along the lines of “You know this isn’t going to help your approval ratings, right?”
Less than one day after their debate, this friendly handshake marked a historic thaw. After all, it had been a solid eight years since a handshake had transpired on a presidential debate stage. What a world where a mere touch between two figures who couldn’t be more ideologically opposed serves as a reminder that even the most fierce rivalries can have a moment of civility—at least, for a photo opportunity.
The intrigue continues as Trump, Harris, and Biden are also scheduled to attend the 9/11 ceremonies in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, later that day. Whether these titans of politics will share the spotlight again or merely pass in the night remains to be seen. Given the current political climate, it’s possible that they may create a dramatic tableau worthy of a daytime soap opera—complete with handshakes, whispers, and perhaps more grins than a cat with a canary.
