The most striking difference between what was explicitly characterized as Kamala Harris’ closing argument and what we must assume to be Donald Trump’s final statements – which can hardly be considered arguments – is that hers were referring exclusively to his audience and his were referring exclusively to himself.

He had a lot to say about himself, of course, but much, much more to say about the people of the country and what he considered his obligation to them. He spoke of his overwhelming revenge and bitter resentment against his many enemies on whom he would seek revenge, using all the power that another presidential term would provide him.

But there was a larger issue here. He presented Trump as the supreme voice of division and chaos: of hatred and resentment. The only possible result of this incitement had to be a bitterness that would be destructive of the American ideal of a national unity transcending differences of origin, beliefs, and attitudes.

It’s a compelling image that makes use of Trump’s own words and behavior. Saying that he is “unstable” and “obsessed with revenge and grievance” hardly needs to be proven: he provides evidence of it in every speech he makes, including the last one in which he He couldn’t even be bothered to distance himself of appalling comments made in his name by an obnoxious comedian.

The country, he said, needs to repudiate Trump’s message to save its true spirit from the corruption of the great idea on which it was founded: that people can disagree without becoming enemies (or, in Trump’s language, the “ internal enemy. “). That a national identity can survive despite disputes and passionate debates. (“Stop pointing your fingers and start linking your arms.”)

But perhaps, for all his idealism and good intentions, it is too late for that. Trump’s own bitterness has struck a chord with many. Perhaps the appeal to common sense aimed at the middle class (which in the United States means the respectable working class) is no longer convincing. Saying that politicians should not use the immigration issue as a way to provoke fear may not seem convincing to those who live in fear.

Saying that it’s not us—that we, the American people, still believe there is more that unites us than divides us—sounds pretty good. But is it true? We will know very soon.

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