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Johnson and McConnell Condemn Harris for 'Fascist' Labeling of Trump, Cite Dangerous Rhetoric and Threats Ahead of Election

Oct 25, 2024, 04:01 PM

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a rare joint statement condemning Vice President Kamala Harris for her recent comments referring to former President Donald Trump as a 'fascist.' The leaders accused Harris of promoting violence through her rhetoric, suggesting that labeling a political opponent in such a manner risks inciting further threats. They specifically stated that her words 'only fanned the flames beneath a boiling cauldron of political animus.' The statement highlighted concerns over the potential for violence, with Johnson and McConnell urging Harris to take these threats seriously and to cease her 'dangerous rhetoric.' They emphasized that such language could invite would-be assassins and undermine the electoral process ahead of the upcoming elections. The criticism comes in the context of heightened political tensions as the 2024 presidential election approaches.