In a surprising turn of events amidst a divisive political season, Vice President Kamala Harris and her Republican rival, Donald Trump, both paid tribute to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on Wednesday morning. The solemn commemoration took place in Lower Manhattan, the site of the worst attack in American history.

Joined by President Joe Biden and GOP vice-presidential nominee Senator JD Vance, Harris and Trump stood just feet away from each other, listening as bagpipes wailed and moments of silence were observed. The names of the victims were read aloud by family members, creating a poignant backdrop.

The gathering at the New York memorial offered a stark contrast to the heated debate between Harris and Trump the previous night. It was a moment that filled the Harris team with jubilation, as they saw it as an opportunity to reclaim the mantle of patriotism, which has been traditionally associated with the Republican party.

Harris has been working to position herself as a champion of American values, emphasizing her commitment to putting the interests of the country above her own. She has sought to paint Trump as a "self-serving" agent of chaos, highlighting his past controversial remarks about the military and his involvement in the January 6th Capitol attack.

During their brief interactions at the memorial, Harris, Biden, Trump, and Vance exchanged greetings before taking their designated spots. The focus of the event was on listening to the family members of the victims, with both candidates refraining from making any political statements.

Following the memorial in New York, Harris and Biden traveled together to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into a field, and then to Arlington, Virginia, where American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. The Harris campaign made it clear that these trips would be solemn and devoid of any political undertones, with the sole purpose of honoring those who lost their lives on 9/11.

The juxtaposition of Harris, Biden, Trump, and Vance at the New York memorial served as a defining image in this political cycle. Harris has been actively working to reclaim the notion of patriotism, which has been more closely associated with Republicans in recent years. Her campaign seeks to appeal to a wider range of conservative voters alienated by Trump's divisive rhetoric.

As the campaign progresses, Harris intends to emphasize her commitment to preserving American freedoms, including reproductive rights, while accusing Trump of seeking to restrict them. By highlighting endorsements from former military leaders and former Republican figures, such as Dick and Liz Cheney, Harris aims to project herself as a unifying force for all Americans.

While the political rhetoric has been heated in recent weeks, the commemoration of 9/11 provided a brief moment of national unity. The significance of the day reminded the nation of the strength and resilience that can be found in collective remembrance and shared values.

As the events unfolded, both campaigns made efforts to underscore the importance of unity and bipartisanship. Biden even wore a "Trump 2024" hat during the visit to the fire station in Shanksville, symbolizing the unity experienced in the aftermath of 9/11.

Looking ahead, both campaigns will continue their fierce competition for the presidency. It remains to be seen whether Harris's attempts to reclaim patriotism will resonate with voters, or if Trump's portrayal of her as a failed leader will sway public opinion.

In the midst of a politically charged atmosphere, the commemoration of 9/11 stands as a reminder that, despite the differences, Americans can come together to honor the lives lost and strive for a better future.