The other side, while usually making its point at a lower volume, is just as blinkered. On her weeknight evening show on MSNBC, progressive commentator Joy Reid makes no meaningful effort to balance her perspectives or those of her anti-Trump guests. She told viewers Trump is a dangerous “felon on probation awaiting sentencing” who has been “openly fantasizing about violent retribution” against his opponents.
The principals in this election drama are hardly any better. Recent days have seen Harris call Trump a fascist and Trump describe her as a “sleazebag.” Despite being shot, Trump suggested last week that Harris-supporting Republican Liz Cheney should face guns “shooting at” her, to see if it dampened her appetite for military interventions.
True blue
In the city of Philadelphia, most voters will back Harris. Blue, Democratic Party yard signs litter the sun-filled streets in the central part of the city, alongside placards saying “hate won’t make us great.”
Most of the European Union officials watching the contest from Brussels, along with the majority of EU and British politicians, will share Philadelphia’s outlook. The city, reputedly founded by Swedes, has plenty of European flavor, including Italian influences, German beer halls and a French brasserie called Parc.
Beyond the big city, however, Pennsylvania has a different character, with most communities proudly wearing their Republican red. Trump has many ardent fans in this state of 13 million people. When they vote this week, they will be doing so close to where it all began.
Philadelphia is the birthplace of American democracy. It was here in 1776 that the Declaration of Independence was agreed, followed in 1787 by the Constitution of the United States. The downtown district where these momentous steps were taken is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.