Ugly Rhetoric Dominates US Election Campaigns

Donald Trump's rhetoric cast immigrants as a threat to the nation, pledging to “take control” and claiming only he could protect America from “chaos.”

FLORIDA, US - As Americans prepare to vote in the 2024 presidential election, the campaign has taken on a divisive and hostile tone, exposing deep-seated political divides.

Both former president Donald Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris have ramped up their rhetoric in the final days, marking a particularly contentious end to a long season of intense campaigning.

Analysts and opinion leaders across the US suggest that the heightened polarization reflects widespread fears and frustrations that pervade American society today.

On Friday night, both candidates held rallies in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Torn between which event to attend, I ultimately chose to experience Trump’s rally firsthand.

Earlier, I’d observed Bill Clinton speak at the Institute for the Preservation of African American Music and Arts and visited Latino communities rallying for Kamala Harris. Now, it was Trump’s supporters I wanted to see in action.

At the rally, Trump delivered a speech that has come to define his campaign style: a charged message filled with anti-immigrant sentiments and criticisms of Harris. In his 90-minute address, Trump portrayed immigration as a “criminal invasion” and accused Harris of allowing crime to flourish.

His rhetoric cast immigrants as a threat to the nation, pledging to “take control” and claiming only he could protect America from “chaos.” This tactic, long used by Trump to mobilise his base, played on fear and anger, themes that resonate strongly with his supporters.

Trump’s attacks also became personal. He described Kamala Harris as a “low-IQ person” and “the worst Vice President ever,” aiming to undermine her intelligence and suitability for leadership.

His rhetoric wasn’t just aimed at Harris; it was a broader indictment of the Democratic Party, which he portrayed as incapable and dangerous.

Campaign ads featured a grieving mother blaming Harris for the loss of her daughter at the hands of undocumented immigrants, furthering Trump’s message that he alone could “save” America.

On the other side, Harris’s rally in West Allis took a different but equally critical tone. She accused Trump of betraying American values, calling his campaign a “betrayal of American ideals.”

Harris argued that Trump’s divisive tactics have damaged democracy, framing his approach as a threat to unity and American principles. Without resorting to outright insults, she accused Trump of treating political opponents as “enemies” and of disregarding the rule of law.

Harris’s rally featured pop culture icons, including rapper Cardi B, who energized the crowd and reinforced Harris’s message of resilience and inclusivity. Cardi B spoke against bullying and praised Harris as a “resilient underdog,” emphasizing the campaign’s focus on unity and hope.

These final days of the campaign reflect a growing chasm in American politics. Trump’s message is rooted in fear and appeals to a base that feels the country is changing beyond recognition. His rhetoric energizes supporters who view him as a defender of traditional values against perceived liberal threats.

In contrast, Harris emphasizes compassion and collaboration, hoping to attract moderates and undecided voters. However, her critiques of Trump also contribute to the polarized atmosphere, reinforcing the stark choices facing voters.

This election is not just about who will lead the country but about competing visions for its future. Trump’s supporters see him as a bastion of stability, while Harris’s backers view her as a beacon of progress.

The contrasting messages underscore a nation divided by vastly different ideals.

As Americans head to the polls, they are not just choosing a president but defining the values that will shape the nation’s future.

With both candidates drawing fervent crowds and promising starkly different futures, this election’s outcome will likely have profound and lasting impacts—not only on policy but on the very fabric of American political life. Analysts have described this election as having some of the ugliest rhetoric in recent U.S. history.