Kamala Harris says ‘won’t cosy up to tyrants’ like Kim Jong Un, then jabs Trump

Vice President Kamala Harris, now the Democratic presidential nominee, took a strong stance against autocratic leaders in her address at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), taking a not-so-subtle jab at her opponent, Donald Trump.

“I will not cosy up to tyrants and dictators like Kim Jong-un who are rooting for [Donald] Trump,” she said. “Because they know, he is easy to manipulate with flattery and favour. They know Trump won’t hold autocrats accountable because he wants to be an autocrat himself.”

Harris made the swipe during her keynote address at the DNC in Chicago, where she officially accepted the presidential nomination. She captivated the audience with stories of her upbringing in a Jamaican-Indian household, called for an end to the war in Gaza, reaffirmed her support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia, and continued her sharp criticism of the former President.

Harris’s comments come at a time when the US is navigating a complex situation involving Israel and Iran, following Israel’s recent attacks that killed members of Hamas and Hezbollah.

“And know this, I will never hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to defend our forces and our interests against Iran and Iran-backed terrorists,” Harris said.

During his presidency, Trump took a different approach to dealing with autocratic leaders. In 2019, he became the first US President to set foot in North Korea to meet its leader, Kim Jong Un. Throughout his tenure, Trump maintained a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. More recently, in an interview with Elon Musk, he praised the leaders of Russia, China, and North Korea.

“They’re at the top of their game; they’re tough; they’re smart; they’re vicious — and they’re going to protect their country,” Trump had said, adding that these leaders, too, loved their country, only that “it is a different form of love.”

As Harris delivered her speech, Trump took to Truth Social to react. “IS SHE TALKING ABOUT ME?” he posted.

Harris took the mantle of Democratic presidential nominee from President Joe Biden, who withdrew from the race weeks ago after facing pressure from his party. Biden has since endorsed Harris, as have numerous veteran politicians, in her bid to become the country’s first female president when voting begins on November 5.

“As president, I will never waver in defense of American security and ideals,” Harris declared to a standing ovation. “Because in the enduring struggle between democracy and tyranny, I know where I stand and where the United States belongs.”