Staff Reports
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump marked the somber anniversary of the October 7 attacks, although their approaches—and effectiveness—could not have been more different. Harris, who seems increasingly out of touch with her base, attempted to sprinkle hope into her remarks at the Naval Observatory while planting a pomegranate tree. Trump, on the other hand, took the opportunity to remind everyone why he should be back in the White House, given today’s messy geopolitical landscape.
The backdrop of the events showed the stark contrast between them. As Harris tried to convey a message of faith and mourning, she was drowned out by pro-Gaza protesters making it clear they’re less than thrilled with the current administration’s handling of the Israel-Gaza conflict. The chaos outside the Naval Observatory was a fitting mirror to her campaign. A group of angry demonstrators, chanting and banging drums, seemed to overshadow her “let’s have faith” narrative more efficiently than any friendly press interview ever could.
Both candidates chose to mark October 7th in their own way. Trump went to the Chabad Ohel, and Harris planted a pomegranate tree at her official residence in memory of the victims. While my political preferences are clear, this is not a day to compare and contrast. It certainly… pic.twitter.com/B9rFAMKHds
— Shaiel Ben-Ephraim (@academic_la) October 7, 2024
Trump, ever the showman, was busy collecting media attention while making his point—politicizing the anniversary as if it were yet another campaign stop. He boasted about his unprecedented support for the Jewish community and pointed fingers at Biden and Harris, claiming they should be held accountable for the rise in hostilities that have occurred on his watch. Just as any seasoned politician would, he co-opted the tragedy to bolster his narrative, asserting that under his leadership, America would have avoided such catastrophes.
The former president hosted events that drew pro-Jewish crowds and included statements his supporters would cheer. He argued that the ties between the U.S. and Israel were under threat from the current administration’s ineptitude, casting his vision for a future where the relationship would be not just restored but revitalized. Unlike Harris, who seemed to steer clear of clear political implications in her remarks, Trump openly declared that the November 5 election is crucial not only for America but for Israel’s future. He made it clear that he sees himself as the solution to the woes brought on by the current regime.
In a world where political correctness rules the day, Trump’s unfiltered commentary may resonate more with conservative viewers craving strong, unapologetic leadership. Throughout his remarks, he highlighted the rising tide of anti-Semitism in America, linking it directly to the failures of Democratic leadership—an explosive allegation that suggests there are significant consequences for voters in the upcoming election. It’s worth noting that while Harris mulled over the incantations of faith, Trump struck a note of urgency, insisting that American strength and leadership must be restored to combat the tide of violence and anti-American sentiment creeping back into the country.
The day was undoubtedly a snapshot of the battle for 2024, with Trump reframing the narrative to fit his purposes while Harris attempted to dance around real political issues. The juxtaposition between these two events highlighted a key truth: while Trump galvanizes his supporters with bold proclamations and an alarming focus on American security, Harris is left grabbing for any semblance of support from an increasingly disillusioned base, lost in a world of protest and uncertainty. As the political game heats up, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and it seems only Trump understands the art of turning tragedy into triumph.
