Harris gains momentum as Trump launches Marxist attack in heated presidential race

Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign gained significant traction on Thursday, as fresh polling data showed her closing the gap with Republican frontrunner Donald Trump.

Addressing the largest U.S. teachers’ union, Harris vowed to “fight for the future,” marking a pivotal moment in an increasingly competitive race.

Speaking to the American Federation of Teachers in Houston, Harris, 59, underscored her commitment to economic reforms and workers’ rights, advocating for affordable healthcare and child care. She also condemned Republican opposition to gun control measures in the wake of numerous school shootings. “Ours is a fight for the future,” Harris proclaimed to an energized crowd of 3,500. “We are in a fight for our most fundamental freedoms. And to this room of leaders, I say: Bring it on.”

Newly released polls indicate that Harris has significantly narrowed Trump’s lead. A New York Times/Siena College survey showed Trump leading Harris by a slim margin of 48% to 46% among registered voters—down from a more substantial lead over President Biden earlier in July. Another poll by Emerson College/The Hill found Harris closing in on Trump in key battleground states, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

In response, Trump accelerated his attacks on Harris, branding her a “RADICAL LEFT MARXIST” during a rally and on social media. “We’re not ready for a Marxist President, and Lyin’ Kamala Harris is a RADICAL LEFT MARXIST, AND WORSE!” Trump posted on his platform.

Harris’ campaign momentum comes on the heels of President Biden’s decision to step aside, leaving Harris as the Democratic candidate for the November election. Her campaign has received support from various demographics, including a recent Zoom call with over 100,000 predominantly white women, following similar calls with Black women, Black men, and Latinas.

Trump’s campaign cast doubt on the scheduled September 10 debate, pending the formal nomination of Harris by the Democratic Party. Harris, however, has expressed her readiness to debate Trump on that date.

Forty former U.S. Justice Department officials endorsed Harris, citing Trump as a threat to the rule of law. Former President Barack Obama is also expected to endorse her soon, adding significant weight to her campaign.

In a strategic move to engage younger voters, Harris launched her TikTok account, quickly amassing over 500,000 followers. Her campaign also released its first video ad, featuring Beyonce’s song “Freedom,” framing her campaign as a battle to protect individual liberties.

Speculation is rife about Harris’ vice-presidential pick, with potential candidates including U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, Governors Josh Shapiro, Roy Cooper, Andy Beshear, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

The race heated up further after Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt, which left him with a wounded ear. FBI Director Christopher Wray testified that the cause of Trump’s injury—whether a bullet or shrapnel—remains unclear, though Trump insists it was a bullet.