Just hours after the, er, rather controversial first debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on Tuesday night, the two candidates met again — this time to mark the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in New York City, alongside President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Miraculously (or perhaps not, for two seasoned politicians), Harris and Trump showed no visible signs of discomfort at seeing each other after the debate, and even exchanged another warm handshake.
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Granted, even someone as often unpredictable as Trump might be expected to behave well on a serious occasion like a rally at Ground Zero. Still, the civility of the gathering was refreshing. Harris, Trump and the Bidens were joined by Trump’s running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who became a close Trump ally years after leading New York through the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
Vice President Harris picked up on one of her key points from the debate, calling for unity in a statement released early Wednesday outlining her plans for the anniversary. “Today, I will travel to the hallowed ground of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to remember the victims and their families. As I do so, I will also remember the incredible selflessness and courage of the American people. And as we mark this day, let us all reflect on what unites us as one: the greatest privilege on earth, the pride and privilege of being Americans.”
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre added that Biden and Harris attended today’s memorial because they “want to honor the 2,977 people who lost their lives on that tragic day and to support the families and loved ones who still, still feel terrible pain.” Although facing Trump face-to-face again was not something either of them would have been looking forward to, they find it hard to think of a more important reason.
