Clarkston, Georgia CNN —
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama took part in their first joint campaign rally in this Atlanta suburb Thursday night, speaking in parallel about the dangers facing the country if Donald Trump is elected president again. and issued a warning.
The battleground state of Georgia is the latest stop in President Obama’s late-campaign sprint, as he unleashes increasingly heated attacks and ridicule on President Trump. After Obama’s speech, Harris appeared on stage and hugged the vice president before delivering a nearly identical message.
Harris also borrowed a page from President Obama’s old campaign rally cry, declaring, “We will win — or, as one former president put it, ‘Yes, we can!'”
But with the election just 12 days away, both Obama and Harris are leaning toward policy issues, with Harris pointing to a series of gains in the broader economy, with Harris vowing to reduce the cost of groceries, prescription drugs, housing and household goods. He explained his plan in detail. marker.
In one of her most well-received lines, Harris said, “Lowering the cost of living is my focus every day as President of the United States.”
In his remarks, President Obama reiterated his role as President Trump’s chief roaster. But after mocking his successor’s efforts to sell his products, including Trump-branded Bibles, he paused to make a sobering point.
“Just because[Trump]is acting stupid doesn’t mean his presidency isn’t dangerous,” the former president said. President Obama cited recent comments from former Trump chief of staff John Kelly, saying the former president “fits the common definition of a fascist.”
Minutes later, Harris returned to that theme, calling Trump a “dishonest man” and warning that “the consequences of him becoming president again are very serious.”
Both Democrats also emphasized, both directly and implicitly, the nearly 20-year age gap between Trump and Harris.
“There is overwhelming demand for a fresh start and a new generation of leadership who are optimistic and excited about what we can do together,” Harris said. “There is a longing for a president of the United States who will meet you, get you, and fight for you.”
President Obama also acknowledged voters’ desire for change in the political landscape.
“I understand why people would want to shake things up,” Obama said. “What I don’t understand is why some people think Donald Trump is going to shake things up for the better for you guys, because there’s no evidence that this guy is thinking about anyone other than himself. Because there is none at all.”
Harris delved deeper into her policy plans, speaking passionately about her proposals on health care and the economy while criticizing Trump for his role in the Supreme Court’s decision to strip the federal government of abortion rights. , called the state’s subsequent ban “immoral.”
Harris reiterated what is expected to be a key part of her closing argument, saying Trump is bent on revenge and that she is focused on the American people’s “to-do list.”
“Imagine the Oval Office three months from now. Picture it in your mind,” she said. “Either you’re out there with Donald Trump simmering down your enemy list, or I’m going to work for you and check things off my to-do list.”
Harris and Obama also cited comments from former Trump officials who are wary of Trump’s return to the Oval Office.
“We don’t need four years of wannabe kings and wannabe dictators running around trying to punish their enemies. That’s not what you need in your life. America is ready to turn the page,” Obama said. , referring to Mr. Kelly’s recent comments to The New York Times and The Atlantic.
And, as if in response to the harsh criticism that Trump’s Republican critics have received from the MAGA movement, President Obama asserted the unique nature of their decision to speak out.
“These are not ‘woke liberals.’ These are people who have never even talked about politics in the past,” Obama said of Kelly and others. “Because they believed the military should be above politics.”
Mr. Obama and Ms. Harris have known each other for 20 years. CNN previously reported that the former president had several conversations with Harris, whom he met through an informal network of up-and-coming black politicians while she was a state senator and district attorney.
Harris reflected on that history Thursday, including her support for Obama’s victory in the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination.
“In 2007, I went to Iowa on New Year’s Eve and knocked on doors in the snow. And now, many years later, Barack Obama, your friendship and trust in me and our campaign has touched the world. I’ll tell you what I mean,” she said.
Thursday’s campaign also drew on more star power, including Bruce Springsteen, who headlined the event. Music superstars have always been a fixture in the final stages of presidential elections, using their popularity to mobilize voters for Democratic candidates.
“I want a president who respects the Constitution and who wants to protect and guide our great democracy, not threaten it,” Springsteen told attendees Thursday.
Harris is also scheduled to appear in Michigan on Saturday, along with former first lady Michelle Obama.
CNN’s Elise Hammond contributed to this report.
This story has been updated with additional details.
