Vice President Kamala Harris made her final case for her presidential campaign on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, sharing an optimistic message focused on forward movement.
With the White House as a backdrop, Harris created a contrast between her vision and that of former President Donald Trump, calling on voters to “turn the page” on his era and commit to prioritizing the country over partisan divisions.
She described Trump as “unstable, obsessed with revenge, consumed with grievance, and seeking unchecked power,” accusing him of working to keep Americans divided and in fear.
Harris also criticized Trump for his divisive rhetoric, including calling opponents “the enemy within,” emphasizing her view that he is “unstable” and driven by grievances.
She then spoke of her own commitment to Americans, promising to “seek common ground and practical solutions to improve lives,” focusing on genuine progress over political scoring.
“It’s time to stop pointing fingers and start linking arms,” Harris stated. “It’s time to move past the drama, fear, and division and welcome a new generation of leadership in America.”
She stressed her belief in dialogue over divisiveness, saying, “I don’t consider people who disagree with me the enemy. He wants to jail them. I’ll give them a seat at the table.”
The event saw around 40,000 attendees, an increase from the 20,000 previously expected, according to the National Park Service permit.
Harris highlighted the location near the National Mall, where Trump addressed the crowd before the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, as a poignant reminder of the choice between her and Trump for the White House.
She told reporters she wanted Americans to envision who will occupy the Oval Office on January 20, saying, “Americans are familiar with the Oval Office; it’s either going to be Trump or me sitting at the Resolute Desk.”
With Election Day approaching, both Harris and Trump are focused on appealing to undecided voters as they prepare for what is predicted to be a close race.
Harris’ campaign has portrayed Trump as consumed by grievances and retribution, contrasting this with her focus on her “to-do list” for the American people, a recurring theme in her campaign speeches.
“He is all grievances and dark language about revenge,” Harris told reporters on Sunday in Philadelphia. “Americans have a choice—between that or me, dedicated to my goals for the American people and committed to improving their lives.”
Harris closed by expressing her belief that Americans want to “turn the page” from Trump, emphasizing her focus on the economy, promising cost reduction and middle-class support in her vision for an “opportunity economy.”
Following her address, Harris intends to travel through battleground states in the campaign’s final days, with events focused on rallying voter turnout through a series of concerts.
In an interview with MSNBC, Harris stressed her commitment to connecting with all communities, ensuring they hear directly from her. “I am leaving nothing on the field in this election,” she said, reiterating her determination for a complete and direct campaign approach.
