Something is wrong with this split-screen picture. On one side, former president Donald Trump rants about mass deportations and claims to have stopped “wars with France,” after being described by his longest-serving White House chief of staff as a literal fascist. On the other side, commentators debate whether Vice President Kamala Harris performed well enough at a CNN town hall to “close the deal.”

…

Let’s review: First, Harris was criticized for not doing enough interviews — so she did multiple interviews, including with nontraditional media. She was criticized for not doing hostile interviews — so she went toe to toe with Bret Baier of Fox News. She was criticized as being comfortable only at scripted rallies — so she did unscripted events, such as the town hall on Wednesday. Along the way, she wiped the floor with Trump during their one televised debate.

Trump, meanwhile, stands before his MAGA crowds and spews nonstop lies, ominous threats, impossible promises and utter gibberish. His rhetoric is dismissed, or looked past, without first being interrogated.

    • UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.worldEnglish
      35·
      3 hours ago

      Vice President Harris grew up in a middle class home as the daughter of a working mom. She believes that when the middle class is strong, America is strong. That’s why as President, Kamala Harris will create an Opportunity Economy where everyone has a chance to compete and a chance to succeed — whether they live in a rural area, small town, or big city.

      Vice President Kamala Harris has made clear that building up the middle class will be a defining goal of her presidency. That’s why she will make it a top priority to bring down costs and increase economic security for all Americans. As President, she will fight to cut taxes for more than 100 million working and middle class Americans while lowering the costs of everyday needs like health care, housing, and groceries. She will bring together organized labor and workers, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and American companies to create good paying jobs, grow the economy, and ensure that America continues to lead the world.

      There is not a single policy included in this two paragraph long statement.

      It’s the most transparent Politician Speak, saying an earful while telling you absolutely nothing.

      • .Donuts@lemmy.world
        7·
        3 hours ago

        If you could have bothered to read a few lines more, there’s an entire 76-page PDF attached outlining plans and goals.

        Now I’m not asking you to read the whole thing, but you’re being disingenuous.

        • UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.worldEnglish
          18·
          3 hours ago

          there’s an entire 76-page PDF

          How much of it is more fluff like this?

          Now I’m not asking you to read the whole thing

          If you’d like to single out the policies you think are meaningful, I’ll happily pick through that chapter. But if the first two paragraphs are empty pablum, I’m not wasting my time with the next fifty.

          • .Donuts@lemmy.world
            6·
            3 hours ago

            But if the first two paragraphs are empty pablum, I’m not wasting my time with the next fifty

            Great idea. Have a good day.