A Fleeting Moment of Unity Between Political Rivals

The story

On the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump, and Senator JD Vance came together at Ground Zero in New York to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost in 2001.

Despite the political divisions of today's heated campaign season, there was a brief moment of civility as Harris and Trump shook hands before the ceremonies began, less than 24 hours after their contentious debate. This is a significant gesture given the current political climate, with the intensity and passions of the 2024 election looming large.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, former NYC Mayors Bill de Blasio and Rudy Giuliani, and Donald Trump’s sons, Eric and Don Jr. The political differences between many of these figures could not be more stark. But in this one instant, our political representatives demonstrated that the memory of 9/11 transcends partisan politics, even if only for a quick interlude.

After the event, Biden and Harris continued to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Flight 93 Memorial. Biden made a brief gesture of bipartisan goodwill by donning a Trump hat at a local fire station.

September 11 is one of those days that looms so large in the American psyche that the whirlwind of national politics, even of a heated and tight presidential election, is second to the honor our leaders owe to the fallen. Though it’s just one fleeting moment of unity between political enemies, it shows Americans that we have a higher identity than merely Democrat or Republican.

A note from us

This type of unity has been painfully absent in America in recent years. Since January 6, Democrats have often used the 9/11 anniversary to liken conservatives to the same threats America faced from abroad in the early 2000s.

Today, however, offers a refreshing glimpse of political normalcy — even as the Biden administration continues prosecuting its political opposition, and free speech remains shaky.

At Upward News, we never hesitate to hold our leaders accountable. We dive headfirst into the political fray, unafraid to challenge the powerful. But there are moments that rise above the noise. Some things are bigger than politics — some sacrifices too sacred to ignore.

On this day, we honor the nearly 3,000 souls lost on September 11, 2001. Their memory unites us, and their sacrifice demands our respect. We also salute the first responders and military heroes who have stood watch ever since, protecting the freedoms we hold dear.

God bless the fallen, and God bless the brave men and women who keep us safe.