With just a week remaining before the 2024 presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris took to the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., delivering a powerful address that urged voters to "turn the page" on the Trump era. Speaking at the same location where former President Donald Trump rallied his supporters before the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, Harris sought to remind the nation of the stakes in the upcoming election while presenting herself as a leader capable of uniting the country.
"Tomorrow, I will speak to Americans about the choice we face in this election-and all that is at stake for the future of this country that we love," Harris wrote on X, previewing the address that campaign officials described as a "defining moment" in the final stretch of the race.
In her speech, Harris contrasted her vision for the future with what she described as Trump's increasingly authoritarian and divisive agenda. "Imagine the Oval Office in three months," Harris said. "It's either Donald Trump, stewing over his enemies' list, or me, working for you, checking off my to-do list." Harris cast Trump as a president who would be consumed by revenge and personal vendettas, while promising that her administration would focus on the economy, lowering costs for families, and strengthening the middle class.
While Harris highlighted her plans to rebuild the economy, her message was deeply intertwined with the need to protect American democracy, which she argued was under threat by Trump's candidacy. Citing former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, who recently labeled Trump a fascist, Harris reiterated that she agrees with the assessment. Her campaign has amplified this message, running ads emphasizing Trump's potential to erode democratic institutions if he returns to office.
Harris's speech served as a direct rebuttal to Trump's own rally held just days earlier at Madison Square Garden, where the former president leaned heavily into rhetoric about the "enemy within." Trump's rally, marked by inflammatory language and controversial jokes, has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, particularly for comments about Puerto Rico made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe. Harris's campaign used the contrast to underscore her more optimistic and unifying vision.
At the Ellipse, a symbolic site within view of the White House and the Capitol, Harris did not dwell on the January 6 attack itself, but she made clear that the events of that day were a pivotal moment for American democracy. "This is a choice between chaos and stability," she said. "Between someone who would tear down our institutions and someone who would build them back stronger than ever."
Her speech was aimed at what campaign aides call "conflicted voters"-those who may have reservations about Trump but are not yet fully convinced that Harris is the right candidate to lead the country. It was also a chance for Harris to address the economic concerns that remain top of mind for many voters. Polls consistently show that issues like inflation and the cost of living are the primary focus of voters this election, particularly in battleground states like Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Harris's advisers have acknowledged that balancing warnings about Trump's threat to democracy with a forward-looking, hopeful message is one of the campaign's biggest challenges. "We don't have the luxury of just talking about what she would do as president," said one Democratic strategist. "We can't pretend this is an ordinary election."
Still, the campaign is determined to strike an optimistic tone. Despite the heavy overtones of the January 6 setting, Harris's advisers emphasized that the vice president's speech was meant to inspire hope for the future, not dwell on the past. "If there's one takeaway, it's that Kamala Harris is here to bring this country together," one campaign aide said.
As part of her closing message, Harris has been highlighting her bipartisan endorsements, including support from prominent Republicans like Liz Cheney and former Vice President Dick Cheney. The campaign has also showcased endorsements from former Trump administration officials who have expressed concerns about the former president's character and leadership.
After delivering her speech, Harris is expected to continue her intense campaign schedule, traveling to key battleground states where the race remains a dead heat. Her campaign, which began in July after President Joe Biden stepped aside, has successfully raised over a billion dollars and mobilized support across the country. Still, despite the energetic campaigning, Harris remains locked in a close contest with Trump, with national polls showing the race too close to call.
