Presidential campaigns usually focus on crafting a final message designed to encourage voters to support them.

Donald Trump, however, appears to be concluding his campaign with a scattered collection of grievances and explicit calls for violence against those he views as adversaries, including the media.

Vice President Kamala Harris must find this to be an amusing situation. She has been promoting a message of unity and hope, presenting a striking contrast to Trump’s approach.

While it’s uncertain who will prevail in this election, it’s clear that Trump conveys a sense of desperation. His renewed claims of voter fraud reflect this sentiment, as does his dangerous rhetoric aimed at journalists. He constantly seeks to shift blame, never willing to take responsibility for his situation.

Trump’s Campaign Ends with Lies and Incitement

During a rally in Lititz, Pennsylvania, Trump abandoned his usual campaign script. He talked about the bulletproof glass now used for his outdoor events after an assassination attempt earlier this year in another part of Pennsylvania.

“I have this piece of glass here,” Trump said, before making another disturbing comment about violence. “But all we have really over here is the fake news. And to get me, somebody would have to shoot through the fake news. And I don’t mind that so much.”

One of Trump’s supporters was killed and two others injured during that assassination attempt in July, yet Trump blatantly expressed a desire for gunfire to sweep through his crowd. This reflects his concluding message to voters.

As expected, Trump’s campaign team responded by denying reality. Spokesman Steven Cheung claimed Trump was talking “brilliantly” about the July incident, insisting his comments were not related to potential harm towards the press but were meant to guard them instead.

In essence, Cheung was asserting that our own perceptions were incorrect. Imagine needing to maintain such detached views from reality daily for work.

Trump Diverts Tough Questions with Lawsuits and Misdirection

This type of ridiculous deflection and media criticism is typical during the final stretch of Trump’s campaign.

Recently, at a rally in Wisconsin, Trump presented himself as a protector of women, declaring he would do so “whether the women like it or not.” How does someone found liable for sexual assault in a civil lawsuit make such claims about women?

Harris seized upon this questionable assertion, highlighting its inappropriateness and calling it “offensive to everybody,” as she emphasizes restoring abortion rights in her campaign, contrasting sharply with Trump’s appointments of three Supreme Court justices who contributed to overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022.

This narrative does not favor Trump. His campaign required a change of focus, so Trump decided to sue CBS News after they aired an edited interview with Harris on “60 Minutes.”

This lawsuit appears frivolous, but it serves Trump’s need to redirect attention toward something other than his missteps.

Trump Launches Attacks on Liz Cheney, Distracting from Press Criticism

Need another example? Recently, you may have heard that Trump explicitly expressed a desire for a violent end to former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, a Republican who has encouraged her party to support Harris.

“She’s a radical war hawk. Imagine her with a rifle, having nine barrels aimed right at her, okay?” Trump said to former Fox News host Tucker Carlson concerning Cheney. “Let’s see what she thinks when the guns are pointed at her face.”

Once again, Trump has said something outrageous, and Harris quickly condemned his comments, stating that “this must make him unfit” for the presidency. However, it’s not truly disqualifying; it’s typical rhetoric from Trump. His campaign later claimed that his remarks were misinterpreted.

What we all heard? Trump’s team wants us to dismiss that reality. And perhaps they’ll try to distract us with something shiny.

In a swift move on Friday, Trump initiated a new battle against the media by lodging a complaint with the Federal Election Commission. He accused The Washington Post of providing “in-kind contributions” to Harris’ campaign, specifically criticizing the way the newspaper presents its journalism.

This is simply absurd. Trump is unlikely to succeed in this endeavor, but it gives him a topic to pivot to, hopefully diverting attention away from his violent remarks about Cheney.

Remember what Trump has said. Trust that when you cast your vote.

If you haven’t voted yet, I encourage you to head to the polls on Election Day and make your voice heard. As you do, reflect on the rhetoric that’s been circulating this final week of the campaign.

Yes, Harris’ reliance on scripted speeches may come across as repetitive at times. However, try to envision her publicly wishing for violence against Trump or his team. It’s simply unimaginable.

But Trump? His calls for violence are all too familiar, and we’re bound to hear them again. If he feels the election is slipping away, his language will likely become even more incendiary, even as his campaign tries to deflect attention with legal distractions while claiming he didn’t actually say what we all heard him say.

Trust your judgment. Use it to guide your vote.