WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her belief that former President Donald Trump is a fascist, stating that his former chief of staff is sounding an alarm for Americans regarding the risks of his potential return to the presidency.

During a CNN town hall in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Harris referenced claims made by former White House chief of staff John Kelly, who suggested that Trump has made favorable comments about Hitler, agreeing with Kelly’s portrayal of Trump as a “fascist.”

When asked by Anderson Cooper if she shares this view, she confidently replied, “Yes, I do. And I trust those who are closest to him on this issue.”

Responding to Cooper’s question about how she would convince the American public of Trump’s comments, Harris noted that many may not be aware of the serious concerns expressed by those who have worked closely with Trump. She cited various former officials who have labeled Trump as unfit and dangerous, drawing attention to their Republican affiliations.

Earlier, Harris highlighted another statement from Kelly, suggesting that Trump seeks unchecked power and a military that prioritizes loyalty to him rather than the Constitution.

Harris seeks to differentiate herself from Trump

Throughout the town hall, Harris redirected discussions towards Trump, questioning his suitability for office and referencing his disqualifying actions. She faced challenging inquiries from attendees regarding her economic strategies and how her governance would differ from President Joe Biden’s.

Harris asserted that Americans are “tired of the blaming game” and deserve leadership that prioritizes solutions over revenge. “They deserve a president focused on progress, not plotting vengeance from the Oval Office,” she said.

CNN mentioned that attendees at the town hall were undecided voters, and their questions were spontaneously generated.

This event marked one of the few occasions since Harris launched her campaign where she directly engaged with undecided voters, having mostly appeared at rallies dominated by her supporters.

The shadow of Trump loomed large over the proceedings, with one audience member questioning Harris about rising grocery prices and whether they attribute to Trump or Biden, and what her plans are to address this issue.

After elaborating on her strategies to combat price gouging, Harris directed attention to Trump, saying, “He should be here tonight to answer these questions. He chose not to come.”

Trump rejected an invitation to a debate with Harris and also declined a chance to hold his own town hall, instead attending events in Georgia on the same day.

Harris clarifies her stance in comparison to Biden

While focusing on Trump, another audience member, a University of Pennsylvania student, challenged Harris to specify how her leadership diverges from that of President Biden.

Harris responded, “My administration will not be a mere extension of Biden’s presidency. I come with my unique ideas and experiences.”

As a former prosecutor, Harris, aged 60, indicated she offers fresh approaches compared to Biden, 81, particularly highlighting her accomplishments in housing policy. She emphasized her efforts to secure billions in funding for homeowners facing predatory lending practices, underscoring the significance of homeownership in people’s lives, including her own family.

Civilian casualties in Gaza raised during town hall

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas became another point of inquiry, where Harris was pressed by a voter for her stance, especially regarding civilian casualties.

When asked how she could ensure that “no more Palestinians die due to bombs financed by U.S. taxpayer money,” Harris acknowledged the deaths as “unconscionable” and reiterated the Biden administration’s belief that the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar represented a chance to bring about an end to the conflict.

Addressing the concerns of those who may choose to vote third party or abstain altogether due to their perspectives on the ongoing conflict, Harris expressed her understanding of the strong emotions surrounding the situation since Hamas’s assault on Israel last October. This is particularly true for individuals with lost loved ones.

“I acknowledge that,” she stated. “However, I recognize that many who are passionate about this matter also prioritize other issues, such as reducing grocery prices, safeguarding our democracy, and preventing a U.S. president who admires authoritarian leaders and is perceived as fascist.”

Harris discusses faith, flaws, and lessons learned

During the town hall, Cooper inquired about Harris’s faith. She reminisced about reaching out to her pastor, the Reverend Dr. Amos C. Brown of Third Baptist Church, for spiritual counsel and prayer the day Biden stepped down.

Harris shared that she prays daily, sometimes even twice. “I was brought up to have faith in a loving God and to view faith as an active practice,” she described.

The vice president admitted to making “numerous mistakes” in her life, particularly in the context of her parenting, in response to another of Cooper’s questions.

Regarding her professional role, she commented, “I’ve worked diligently to ensure I am knowledgeable about the issues, and I believe this is crucial. It would be a mistake to be uninformed about a topic and feel obligated to respond to questions.”

She also avoided a voter’s inquiry about her weaknesses.

“I certainly have imperfections,” she mentioned. “Some might consider my appreciation for a team of intelligent individuals who provide diverse viewpoints in my decision-making a weakness, but I view it as a strength.”

Highlighting Philadelphia

The town hall was held in Delaware County, a Philadelphia suburb where Harris aims for significant voter turnout. This area contributed to over 40% of President Joe Biden’s votes in Pennsylvania during the last election.

As the presidential race approaches its conclusion, Harris has increased her presence in Philadelphia after spending much of September in other regions of the state.

On Monday, she engaged in a moderated discussion with former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney in nearby Chester County and plans to be in Philadelphia again this Sunday.

Upon arriving in Philadelphia on Wednesday ahead of the town hall, the vice president visited Famous 4th Street Deli. The event, tailored for her volunteers, also featured the city’s mayor, Cherelle Parker, joining her.