As Trump and Harris honor the victims of 9/11, their presidential campaigns are overshadowed by the political aftermath of the Afghanistan withdrawal. As the nation commemorated the 23rd
As Trump and Harris honor the victims of 9/11, their presidential campaigns are overshadowed by the political aftermath of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
As the nation commemorated the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris converged at Ground Zero in Manhattan for a solemn ceremony. Their appearance at the site of such profound national tragedy was notably juxtaposed against the backdrop of a fiercely contested presidential race. The ceremony, held amidst rising political tensions, also highlighted the ongoing debate over the Afghanistan war and its legacy, which has become a pivotal issue in their campaigns. As both candidates honor the victims of 9/11, their presence underscores the intersection of national remembrance and the high-stakes politics of the 2024 election.
Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris attended a solemn ceremony at Ground Zero in Manhattan on Wednesday, marking the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The two presidential candidates briefly shook hands before joining President Joe Biden and other dignitaries at the commemoration. This gathering comes just a day after a contentious debate in Philadelphia, where Harris is widely seen as having placed Trump on the defensive.
Following the ceremony, both candidates are set to participate in additional events to honor 9/11 victims, including visits to the Shanksville, Pennsylvania memorial. Harris will also join President Biden at a Pentagon ceremony later in the day.
This year’s 9/11 observances occur as the legacy of the war in Afghanistan looms large in political discourse. Trump and Harris have sparred over their roles in ending the war, with Trump using the chaotic U.S. withdrawal to criticize Harris and the Biden administration. Harris, meanwhile, has sought to distance herself from the less popular aspects of Biden’s policies, while still championing the administration’s successes.
The war’s conclusion, marked by a deadly suicide bombing in Kabul that claimed 13 U.S. service members, has become a critical talking point for both campaigns. Trump continues to call the withdrawal a “humiliation” and has promised to hold officials accountable if elected. Harris, on the other hand, defends the administration’s decisions, pointing to successes in counterterrorism operations since the withdrawal.
With the race for the White House intensifying, both candidates are using their roles in handling national security and foreign policy to sway voters as the election approaches.
Although political tensions are high, the 9/11 observances are meant to honor the victims rather than serve as political platforms. For years, Ground Zero ceremonies have prioritized giving a voice to victims’ families, with politicians serving as silent observers. Family members expressed mixed feelings about the presence of political figures, with some welcoming their support and others cautioning against using the solemn occasion for political gain. Biden, Harris, and Trump are all attending various ceremonies throughout the day, honoring the tragic events that shaped the nation 23 years ago.
