Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a speech at the Ellipse near the White House, where former President Donald Trump encouraged his supporters to march to the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Harris highlighted the chaos and division that Trump has caused and emphasized her vision for a different path for the country. She called Trump “unstable” and “obsessed with revenge,” contrasting her leadership style based on listening to experts and seeking common ground.
Harris emphasized the need to stop pointing fingers and start locking arms to move away from the drama and conflict that Trump has perpetuated. She pledged to offer a new generation of leadership in America, promising to make Americans’ lives better through common-sense solutions and seeking common ground. Harris also criticized Trump for demonizing those who disagree with him and pledged to give them a seat at her table rather than treating them as enemies.
The choice of the Ellipse for the speech was intentional, as it symbolizes the contrast in the election. Harris aimed to appeal to undecided voters who are exhausted and frustrated by the divisiveness and partisanship that defined Trump’s presidency. She highlighted offensive, crude, and racist remarks made about minorities and her at Trump’s recent rally in New York City as evidence of his divisive tactics. Harris emphasized that Trump fans the fuel of hate and division, making people tired of his leadership and leading them to support her candidacy.
President Joe Biden opted not to attend Harris’ speech in person, indicating that it was her night to shine. More than 75,000 people were reported to be in attendance at the National Mall for Harris’ speech, showing significant support for her message against Trump. Harris’ campaign chair emphasized the importance of this moment in crystallizing the choice in the election and appealing to voters who are seeking a new direction for the country. Overall, Harris’ speech aimed to draw a clear contrast between her leadership style and vision for America and the chaos and division created by Trump.
