Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her campaign’s closing argument from the Ellipse near the White House, where former President Trump incited the Capitol insurrection in 2021. Harris aimed to contrast herself with Trump, emphasizing that she will work to improve Americans’ lives, while he is only focused on himself. With the election just a week away and the race tight, both candidates are seeking to sway voters with big moments. Harris will continue to campaign vigorously in battleground states after her speech in Washington.
In her address, Harris made a broader case for voters to reject Trump and consider what she offers, rather than just focusing on the location’s historical significance. She highlighted the differences between herself and Trump, emphasizing that she would focus on working for the American people on her to-do list, while Trump would be fixated on his enemies. The campaign hoped to draw a massive crowd to the event in Washington to make a lasting impression on the electorate.
Harris’s campaign strategy is centered on highlighting her differences from Trump and positioning herself as a “new generation” leader after him and even after President Biden. She plans to lay out a pragmatic and forward-looking plan for the country, including economic proposals and ensuring access to reproductive care, such as abortion. Her message also aims to show a contrast between chaos and order, with Harris representing a vision of more order, hopefulness, and joy for the future.
Campaign aides believe that focusing on the contrasts between Harris and Trump will be their strongest message for voters in the upcoming election. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized the importance of reminding battleground voters of the consequences of their choice and the clear contrast in the race. He stated that Harris has a stronger argument on economic policies, reproductive freedom, and offering a vision of order and hope for the country. Harris’s team hopes to drive home the stakes of the election and persuade undecided voters to choose her over Trump.
Trump is expected to attempt to preemptively rebut Harris’s speech during remarks at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. Harris’s address comes after Trump’s recent rally in New York, where speakers made cruel and racist comments, highlighting the divisions in the country. Harris’s message aims to offer a positive and forward-looking vision for the country, appealing to voters who are tired of Trump’s focus on grievances and divisions. As the election approaches, both candidates are making their final appeals to voters, hoping to sway them in their favor.
