Kamala Harris, the first Black and Asian woman to be elected as Vice President of the United States, delivered a powerful and inspiring speech on Tuesday at the same site where former President Donald Trump incited the Capitol insurrection in 2021. With the US elections just a week away, Harris used this address to remind Americans that Trump’s efforts to divide and spread fear among them do not define who they are as a nation.
In her speech, Harris pointed out that Trump has spent the last decade trying to divide the American people and make them afraid of each other. She emphasized that this is not the true identity of America and urged the citizens to reject Trump and his self-serving agenda. Harris reminded the crowd about Trump’s role in inciting the January 6th attack on the Capitol, stating that he is focused only on his own interests rather than working for the betterment of the people.
However, Harris did not just talk about Trump’s actions and their consequences on democracy. Instead, she focused on her vision for the country and the need for voters to consider what she has to offer. She introduced herself to those who are still undecided about their vote, encouraging them to visualize the future of America hanging in the balance on Election Day.
Harris also highlighted some of the key issues that have been at the forefront of her campaign, such as improving the lives of Americans and ensuring access to reproductive care. She contrasted herself with Trump, who has an enemies list and intends to use military force against American citizens who disagree with him, calling them the “enemy from within.” Harris stressed that Trump is not a candidate who is focused on making people’s lives better.
The vice president’s speech drew a massive crowd in Washington, with an overflow crowd spilling under the Washington Monument on the National Mall. This was a critical moment for the campaign, as it aimed to capture the attention of voters in battleground states who are still undecided.
Prior to Harris’ powerful address, her campaign organized a list of speakers who were ordinary Americans, rather than the usual star-studded lineup. This included individuals such as Amanda Zurawski, who nearly died from sepsis after being denied care under Texas’ strict abortion ban, and Craig Sicknick, the brother of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick who lost his life in the aftermath of the January 6th attack. This was a deliberate choice to connect with the voters and highlight the impact of Trump’s actions on real people.
The crowd at the rally was diverse and included individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Ruth Chiari, a 78-year-old from Charlottesville, Virginia, attended the event with her husband to support democracy. She stated that everyone understands what is at stake in this election and that it is a choice between an autocrat and freedom. Kathleen Nicholas, a 36-year-old government relations worker from Washington, appreciated the contrast of the atmosphere at the rally compared to Trump’s rally on Sunday, where speakers used cruel and racist language. She believed that Harris’ choice of venue for her closing speech was a powerful statement.
With time running out and the race tight, Harris and Trump have both been seeking big moments to sway voters. Harris recently made a trip to Texas, a traditionally Republican state, to appear with global superstar Beyoncé and shed light on the consequences of Trump’s policies for women. This was another effort to connect with voters in battleground states.
The vice president’s speech was in the works for weeks, but it gained more significance after Trump’s rally on Sunday, where he and his supporters resorted to vile language and racist remarks. In response, Harris stated, “This event highlighted the point that I’ve been making throughout this campaign – that Trump is focused on himself and his grievances, and is not concerned about the American people.”
Harris went on to lay out her pragmatic and forward-looking plan for the country, emphasizing that it is time to “stop pointing fingers and start locking arms.” She positioned herself as a “new generation” of leader, different from both Trump and her current boss, President Joe Biden. Harris acknowledged that many people are still getting to know her since she was only elevated to the top of the Democratic ticket in July. She made a promise to always listen to the people, even if they do not vote for her, and to always tell the truth, no matter how difficult it may be to hear.
However, Trump, in his usual style, dismissed Harris’ speech and accused her of continuously
