LITITZ, Pa. — On Sunday, a Michigan church hosted Kamala Harris, who conveyed a message of hope and unity, suggesting that God provides a “divine plan strong enough to heal division.” Contrastingly, Donald Trump delivered a chaotic and profanity-laced address, where he speculated on violence against journalists and labeled Democratic opponents as “demonic.”
The final Sunday before the pivotal Election Day showcased a clear divergence in the candidates’ styles. Harris, the Democratic vice president, emphasized the opportunity for voters to choose to reject “chaos, fear, and hate,” while Trump, the Republican former president, reiterated false claims of voter fraud, attempting to undermine confidence in the electoral process and convey a sense of crisis without his leadership.
Harris focused her efforts in Michigan, starting her day at Detroit’s Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ in front of several hundred worshippers. This marked her fourth consecutive Sunday addressing Black church congregations, underscoring the importance of Black voters in key battleground states.
“I witness faith manifesting in remarkable ways,” she remarked, referencing the biblical prophet Jeremiah, and added, “I see a nation eager to move beyond hate and division and pursue a new direction. Throughout my travels, I meet Americans from both ‘red’ and ‘blue’ states ready to steer our nation toward justice.”
Harris refrained from directly naming Trump during her speech, likely reserving more pointed political rhetoric for later engagements. However, she did address the broader issues at play, explaining that “some individuals aim to intensify division, propagate hate, instill fear, and create chaos.” She asserted that the upcoming election “is about much more than party lines; it’s about the positive work we can accomplish collectively.”
Her comments concluded after about 11 minutes, coinciding with Trump’s lengthy 90-minute speech, which took place at a chilly outdoor rally at the Lancaster, Pennsylvania airport.
Trump’s speeches often have a wandering quality, which he refers to as “the weave.” However, in Lancaster, he strayed from familiar themes like the economy and immigration, instead revisiting grievances surrounding the voting process and his legal troubles following efforts to contest his 2020 election defeat to President Biden. He suggested that perhaps he “shouldn’t have left” office.
Heightening his criticism of national leadership and the media, Trump provocatively pondered violence directed at journalists. He referenced protective glass barriers in place at his events after a near-assassination attempt, implying that media coverage is tainted by dishonesty.
“I have this piece of glass here,” Trump stated, “but all we have really over here is the fake news. And to get to me, someone would have to shoot through the fake news, and I don’t mind that so much.”
His campaign later attempted to clarify his comments, suggesting he was merely referring to the assassination attempts he has faced.
Trump went on to insult his former adviser John Bolton, whom he now frequently criticizes, by calling him a “dumb son of a b—.” He reiterated unproven theories about voter fraud, alleging that Democrats only succeed through cheating. Polls suggest a highly competitive race between him and Harris.
“It’s a crooked country,” Trump declared. “We’re going to straighten it out.”
Acknowledging his uncharacteristically subdued approach, Trump mentioned disregarding his aides’ guidance, often mimicking them in a joking manner. Co-campaign manager Susie Wiles, known for taming Trump’s chaotic political strategies, observed silently from the sidelines.
At one point, Trump hinted that this style of speech might not be repeated: “I hope you’ve enjoyed this,” he said, “because I’m only doing this one time.”