Every decision from the candidates and their supporters is crucial in a tight race | US News
After one hundred days of securing the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, Kamala Harris stood before a vibrant crowd to deliver her final pitch.
Against the backdrop of the White House, with thousands of supporters gathered in the outdoor arena, she presented a clear choice to the American public.
She framed the decision as a binary one: her or him, unity or chaos.
“On day one, if elected, Donald Trump will come in with a list of enemies. I will come in with a list of tasks,” she declared, eliciting thunderous applause from the audience.
The Harris campaign strategically chose the Ellipse in Washington DC as the venue for her address. It was here that Donald Trump spoke on 6 January 2021, inciting his followers before the Capitol riot.
Standing in the same spot where Ms Harris stood, he spread false claims about election fraud and encouraged his supporters to “fight like hell.” Subsequently, a mob stormed the Capitol, as confirmed by the FBI.
“We know who Donald Trump is. He is the man who stood at this spot four years ago and incited an armed mob to attack the US Capitol,” Ms Harris emphasized.
While her speech touched on various issues like reproductive rights, economy, and immigration, it was evident that the Harris campaign believed the most compelling approach to sway undecided voters in the final stretch was to highlight the threat they believed Trump posed to democracy.
“I believe she effectively outlined the contrast between the two of them,” remarked a supporter wearing a camouflage Harris/Walz baseball cap as they exited the rally.
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What was Kamala Harris’ closing argument?
Some critics have claimed that Ms Harris has not sufficiently clarified her identity and policies to voters. However, some in the audience disagreed.
“People may say they lack knowledge about her,” noted Mary Laxton, a 70-year-old advocate for Ms Harris from the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania. “But I think for some, it really translates to, ‘I don’t want a female president.’ It’s unfortunate, but that’s my belief.
“While she may have started off slow, she has since gained momentum and has been very assertive about her values, her plans for the US, and her commitment to all people, particularly women.”
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In a deliberate attempt to contrast with Donald Trump, whose own final rally at Madison Square Garden was criticized for its divisive rhetoric and racist undertones, Ms Harris chose not to engage with the controversy swirling around it. A comedian who performed before Trump’s speech made derogatory remarks about Puerto Rico.
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While Ms Harris refrained from addressing the controversy surrounding Trump’s rally, President Biden, from inside the White House just a few yards away, weighed in on a campaign video call.
“Just recently, a speaker at his rally referred to Puerto Rico as a floating island of garbage,” he stated. “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.”
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Biden accused of calling Trump supporters ‘garbage’
This incident brought to mind comments made by Hillary Clinton during the 2016 campaign, where she referred to “half” of Trump’s supporters as a “basket of deplorables.”
Mr Biden’s remark was similarly misguided. Although he is no longer the nominee, it risked overshadowing Ms Harris’ significant speech and served as a reminder that in this tightly contested race, every word and action from the candidates and their allies must be carefully considered.
