Trump says he ‘shouldn’t have left’ the White House as he closes campaign with increasingly dark message

As Donald Trump wraps up his 2024 campaign, he expressed regret over leaving the White House during a rally in Pennsylvania, emphasizing a tone reminiscent of the beginning of his campaign. The former president’s rhetoric is increasingly dark, filled with violent insinuations and claims that he will not accept defeat if it occurs.

At the rally, Trump asserted, “I shouldn’t have left,” reflecting on his presidency and lamenting the loss of the 2020 election to Joe Biden. He described Democrats in vehement terms, labeling them “demonic” and expressing his frustration over a recent poll showing him trailing Vice President Kamala Harris in Iowa, a state he previously won. He even made an alarming remark about gunmen, suggesting that someone aiming at him might also target “the fake news.”

Throughout his address, Trump focused on unfounded allegations of election fraud, casting doubt on the integrity of the upcoming vote. With polls indicating a deadlock between him and Harris nationally, he seized upon the narrative of electoral cheating, claiming Democrats are “fighting so hard to steal this damn thing” and warning that voting machines could be tampered with. His rhetoric included calls for swift election results, arguing that any delays could lead to further corruption.

In an unusual admission, Trump seemed to regret the peaceful transition of power following the 2020 election, a moment he once incited his supporters to disrupt. “We did so well,” he reminisced about his time in office, framing his departure as a mistake. This rare acknowledgment of his actions comes while he faces federal charges related to his attempts to overturn the election results.

The release of a recent Iowa poll, which showed Harris gaining traction among women voters—favoring her 56% to Trump’s 36%—sent shockwaves through Trump’s camp. Advisors attempted to downplay the poll, branding it as inaccurate, but the implications of women shifting their support have raised alarms among his allies.

Trump’s speech was punctuated with bizarre moments, including an ill-advised joke about the media, which his campaign later attempted to clarify, claiming he was concerned for their safety rather than making a threatening remark. Nevertheless, his comments were met with criticism, particularly from Harris’s campaign, which suggested Trump is focused on his grievances rather than the needs of the American people.

As he continued to outline his grievances, Trump made baseless claims about election interference and asserted that elections should be concluded by late Tuesday evening. The crowd responded eagerly, chanting accusations of “cheating” while Trump reiterated his beliefs about the corrupt nature of the political landscape.

In recent weeks, Trump has ramped up his incendiary language, pledging to use military force against what he termed the “enemy within.” His campaign has been marked by increasingly ominous threats and a troubling normalization of violent rhetoric. During the rally, he reminisced about past political controversies, weaving them into a narrative that paints his presidency as under siege.

The tone of Trump’s campaign starkly contrasts with Harris’s message, which promotes unity and healing in a divided America. She has focused on fostering dialogue and encouraging Americans to view each other as neighbors rather than enemies. In her speeches, Harris has criticized Trump’s divisive tactics, suggesting he would prioritize vendettas over policies aimed at benefiting the public.

Amidst the chaos, the stark differences in their messages have become evident. While Trump appears consumed by his past grievances and a relentless pursuit of power, Harris emphasizes the need for collaboration and constructive governance.

As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s campaign reflects a troubling trend in American politics, characterized by increasingly aggressive rhetoric and a rejection of democratic norms. In contrast, Harris’s approach seeks to reestablish a sense of community and mutual respect, underscoring a critical moment in the nation’s political landscape.