Donald Trump names 3 things he admires about Kamala Harris, says she has an 'ability to survive'

Former president Donald Trump highlighted the virtues of his Democratic rival Kamala Harris
UPDATED OCT 16, 2024
Donald Trump admitted to facing his 'toughest question' about Kamala Harris (Getty Images)
Donald Trump admitted to facing his 'toughest question' about Kamala Harris (Getty Images)

DORAL, FLORIDA: Donald Trump, known for his fierce critiques of Kamala Harris, took a different tone during a Univision town hall event on Wednesday, October 16.

When asked to name three virtues he admires in his Democratic opponent, the former president admitted it was “the toughest question” he had faced that day but still offered a few points of praise for Harris.

Donald Trump opens up on 3 virtues of Kamala Harris

While maintaining his strong opposition to Kamala Harris' policies, Donald Trump highlighted her resilience, long-standing relationships, and certain qualities in her demeanor that he found commendable.

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump gives a thumbs up as he arrives for a campaign rally at the Mosack Group warehouse on September 25, 2024 in Mint Hill, North Carolina. Trump continues to campaign in battleground swing states ahead of the November 5 presidential election. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Donald Trump highlighted the virtues of his Democratic rival Kamala Harris (Getty Images)

The 78-year-old politician began by noting Harris’ ability to “survive” in the political landscape.

“She was out of the race, and all of a sudden she’s running for president,” remarked Trump, adding, “That’s a great ability that some people have and some people don’t.”

Despite Trump's critical stance on her record, especially at the border and with inflation, he acknowledged that the vice president has demonstrated significant political resilience, bouncing back to claim the vice presidency and now making a bid for the top office.

Another virtue Trump mentioned was Harris’ capacity to form and maintain lasting friendships, although he clarified that he did not necessarily view it as an “ability” but rather as “a good thing.”

“She seems to have some pretty longtime friendships,” said Trump, implying that this quality reflected positively on her character, even if he disagreed with much of her political approach, according to Mediaite.

Donald Trump's mixed feelings about Kamala Harris' demeanor

Donald Trump also noted that Kamala Harris has “a nice way about her” in some of her public appearances, though he was quick to point out that her style of leadership is, in his view, ultimately harmful to the country.

Memes from Donald Trump and Kamala Harris debate (Getty Images)
Donald Trump shared his mixed feelings about Kamala Harris' demeanor (Getty Images)

“I like the way some of her statements, some of her — the way she behaves in a certain way. But in another way I think it’s very bad for our country, [not] very good for our country,” he said.

While Trump continued to criticize her policy decisions, particularly regarding immigration and the economy, his comments about Harris’ personal attributes offered a rare moment of acknowledgment during the heated November election campaign.

Despite offering these points of praise of Harris, Trump made it clear that the question had challenged him.

“That’s by far the toughest question I’ve had today,” he concluded, signaling how difficult it was for him to highlight the virtues of his rival.

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