Despite the evident animosity and deepening chasms of misunderstanding, Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, in a seemingly hollow gesture of unity, attended the 9/11 attack commemoration. The ceremony had held in Lower Manhattan and featured distinguished guests like former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance alongside other political figures. The previous day had seen this unlikely group exchange vitriol, with phrases like ‘disgrace,’ ‘horrible,’ and ‘grossly incompetent’ bandied about. Ultimately, their politically charged wrangling gave way to an uneasy détente as they stood, begrudgingly, united during the commemoration celebrations.
In an apparent commitment to an oddly performed pretense of unity, Harris and Biden accompanied an entourage of luminaries to the sites of the 9/11 attacks. While the caravans moved separately, the collective act was seen publicly as an homage to the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the unmitigated tragedy 23 years prior. From their tempestuous debate the night earlier, Harris and Trump pivoted to perform an impersonal handshake at ground zero. Despite the glaring historical significance of their encounter, for the second time in their lives, their interaction seemed more of a requirement than a genuine gesture.
The serenity of the ceremony was marked by the somber reading of the names of those who suffered the devastating occurrences at the World Trade Center. The proceedings were conducted in a tent where both parties stood together, marking a visible though potentially insincere, truce. At the center of it all, in what could be seen as a fitting symbol of the occasion, was Biden and former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. On the other side of Trump, stood Senator JD Vance of Ohio, the former vice-presidential running mate.
The traffic nightmares of the motorcades lining the streets of Manhattan soon subsided, making way for individual trips to Shanksville, Pa. Here, Flight 93 had been felled in a horrific crash, perpetuated by valiant passengers and crew members who dared to contest with the hijackers. Initially, without Trump, Biden and Harris laid wreaths at the national memorial in a remarkably silent ceremony.
Continuing their seemingly well-crafted display of empathy, Biden and Harris proceeded to a local firehouse. Expectedly, they came bearing gifts of pizza and beer for an ostensibly casual lunch with the kin of the deceased and the local firefighters. Their venture into deep Pennsylvania seemed all too timely, as it showcased their unwillingness, even in times of solemn reflection, to take the backseat and let others be the focus.
Biden went to the extent of adorning a red Trump 2024 baseball cap during his visit to the fire station. His actions, seemingly aimed at showing the relinquishment of partisan politics, came off as more of a political performance. His intention to speak about the nation’s bipartisan unity after 9/11 and the sore lack of that unity now was obvious, maybe too obvious.
It was only after Biden and Harris had left Shanksville, that Trump, together with his vice-presidential running mate, Senator Vance, made their entrance. Their visit to the Engine 4/Ladder 15 firehouse in the Financial District was followed by their landing in Pennsylvania. Joined by Eric Trump, the former president arrived to make his tribute at the memorial.
Despite the noticeably less grandeur presence than President Biden and Vice President Harris, Trump showed a genuine appreciation for the solemnity of the event. He expressed his gratitude to the hosts and declared Shanksville to be an incredible place. The former president then relocated to the same fire station in Shanksville, exhibiting a genuine connection with the place and its people.
Meanwhile, without even a backward glance, Biden and Harris retreated to Washington while leaving behind what many could perceive as an act of bare minimum empathy. Their planned final stop was at the Pentagon, withdrawing from rural Pennsylvania to get back to the politically charged atmosphere as quick as they could.
Upon reaching the Defense Department headquarters, the duo maintained a respectful distance while a bugler played taps. Once again, the ceremony consisted of no speeches, which only served to accentuate their seeming eagerness to shrink away from the limelight. The scripted silence at the Pentagon appeared to be less about honoring the fallen and more about saving face in the face of public scrutiny.
Returning to the ceremony in New York, it was a day that harrowingly mirrored the conditions of the vile Tuesday when the twin towers fell. It was a bright, crisp day hinting at the advent of fall, chillingly reminiscent of the morning from nearly a quarter-century ago. Amidst this backdrop, Harris and Trump’s handshake took place, seeming as orchestrated and insincere as one would expect.
The contact between Harris and Trump appeared to be a forced performance, brought on by the gentle yet insistent persuasion of former Mayor Bloomberg. Despite engaging in formalities, the handshake exhibited starkly contrasting politics of the two figures. It was a critical reminder of the deep polarities that exist and indeed are fostered in the very highest echelons of the American political arena.
With the painfully palpable political divide back in place, Harris was seen gearing up for rallies in North Carolina while Trump prepared to conduct a fundraiser in Los Angeles. Similarly, Harris’ running mate, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, and Vance were spotted heading to Michigan and New York City respectively. As the politicians returned to their terrain, the memory of 9/11 continued to needlessly bear the burden of their political performances.
Biden and Harris’ Pretentious Display of Solidarity at 9/11 Commemoration appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
