In a rare joint statement, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) have called on Vice President Kamala Harris to cease her “dangerous rhetorical attacks” on Donald Trump, citing multiple attempts on his life. The two Republican leaders accuse Harris of using “irresponsible rhetoric that endangers both American lives and institutions.”
Johnson and McConnell point out that after the first assassination attempt on Trump this summer, President Joe Biden and Harris both issued statements calling for calm and an end to the normalization of violence. However, they argue that Harris has failed to live up to her own words, instead “fanning the flames” of political animosity with her recent rhetoric.
The statement references Harris’s recent characterization of Trump as a “fascist,” which they see as a reckless and provocative move. They also draw a disturbing parallel between Harris’s words and those of Trump’s second would-be assassin, who issued a “chilling call to arms” in a note written before his capture.
According to Johnson and McConnell, Harris’s words are more akin to those of an extremist than a leader who is calling for civility and respect. They warn that her rhetoric is putting American lives and institutions at risk, and urge her to take a more measured approach in the final days of the campaign.
The statement concludes by highlighting the stark contrast between Harris’s words and actions, and the need for leaders to prioritize calm and civility over inflammatory rhetoric.
