President Joe Biden expressed his doubts on Wednesday about Donald Trump's willingness to accept defeat in the upcoming US election peacefully. Biden's concerns echo those of Kamala Harris, who has warned that a Trump victory would lead to a lawless administration intent on restricting American freedoms. Trump has faced multiple legal challenges, including two impeachments and two indictments, related to alleged attempts to manipulate the 2020 election results, which he has yet to concede. His unfounded claims of widespread fraud in 2020 were followed by the violent assault on the US Capitol, which resulted in numerous police injuries.
"If Trump loses, I'm not confident at all," Biden stated during an interview with CBS, questioning the likelihood of a peaceful transition of power in 2025. "He means what he says. We don't take him seriously," Biden cautioned, emphasizing his belief in Trump's sincerity about his intentions.
Harris, speaking in Wisconsin, highlighted Trump's past statements and legal convictions to argue that a second term for the former president would be catastrophic for the nation. She referenced his dictatorial ambitions, threats to use the Justice Department against political adversaries, and his call for the suspension of constitutional rules due to his 2020 election loss. Harris urged Americans to oppose the "chaos, fear, and hate" associated with Trumpism, reinforcing her message at a later rally in Detroit.
As part of her campaign strategy, Harris, along with her running mate Tim Walz, targeted key battleground states, emphasizing a vision of middle-class prosperity and national pride. She contrasted her record as California's attorney general, where she tackled fraud and abuse, with Trump's legal liabilities, including a sexual assault lawsuit and multiple fraud convictions. Harris's rallies, including a large event in Pennsylvania, showcased her growing momentum in the polls, where she currently leads Trump by a narrow margin.
Walz, who gained popularity for his straightforward critique of Republican policies, joined Harris in denouncing the "dangerous and backward beliefs" of Trump and his running mate, J.D. Vance. Despite Trump's attempts to undermine Harris through personal attacks, her poll numbers continue to rise, positioning her as a strong contender in the upcoming election.