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Kamala Harris launched a blistering attack on Donald Trump and his "extremist" Republicans as she addressed teachers Thursday, seeking to rally a key part of the Democratic coalition behind her bid to take on the billionaire for the presidency.

The country's first female vice president -- who is seeking to make history again in November -- has enjoyed a groundswell of support from labor groups, ethnic minorities and her own party since announcing her 11th-hour candidacy to replace President Joe Biden as the candidate.

The momentum appeared to catch Trump off guard, as the bombastic Republican refused to schedule a debate with Harris, saying Thursday night it would be "inappropriate" until she is officially named the Democratic nominee.

"Democrats very well could still change their minds," Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.

Harris, a former top prosecutor for California, chided on X: "What happened to 'any time, any place?'" Earlier she had said of a potential September 10 face-off: "I'm ready. So let's go."

The first union to endorse Harris -- the American Federation of Teachers -- applauded at their convention in Houston as Harris warned that the country was witnessing a "full-on attack" by Trump's Republicans on "hard-won, hard-fought freedoms."

"While you teach students about democracy and representative government, extremists attack the sacred freedom to vote. While you try to create safe and welcoming places where our children can learn, extremists attack our freedom to live safe from gun violence," she said.