Harris gives closing argument on Ellipse to counter Trump

“Donald Trump spent a decade trying to keep the American people divided and fearful of each other. That’s who he is. But America, I’m here tonight to say: that’s not who we are,” Harris said. “America, we know what Donald Trump means. More chaos. Another division. And policies that help those at the top and hurt everyone else. I suggest another way. And I ask for your vote. “

But even if the focus is on Trump, Harris’ challenge was to draw a contrast without ceding control of the conversation to the former president.

After Hillary Clinton’s defeat in 2016, some Democrats believed she was focusing too much on Trump in the home stretch of the campaign. And just days ago, Future Forward, a major super PAC supporting Harris, expressed concern that focusing on Trump’s character was not the most effective closing message. On Sunday, Trump gave Democrats more ammunition to criticize his character. rally in New York among whom were speakers who spewed racist and sexist attacks, including the comedian who called Puerto Rico is a “floating island of garbage.”

The Trump campaign released a statement Sunday evening saying Puerto Rico’s comment did not reflect the views of him or his campaign. But on Tuesday, Trump refused to apologize for it, telling ABC he did not know the comedian or hear his remarks. which have dominated campaign coverage over the past two days. Before Harris’ speech on Tuesday, Trump intruded on her politics as vice president, calling the New York rally an “absolute love fest.”

In advocating for their voices, Harris offered several promises, including to “seek common ground and common sense solutions to make your life better” and to listen to experts and people who disagree with her.

“In less than 90 days, either Donald Trump or I will be in the Oval Office. On day one, if elected, Donald Trump will walk into this office with a list of enemies,” Harris said. “When I get elected, I will come with a list of things to do. Full of priorities about what I will do for the American people.”

Above all, Harris promised to “be a president for all Americans, to always put country before party and before self.”

Supporters gathered on the Ellipse hours before the speech, which was expected to draw at least 20,000 people in a raucous rally atmosphere that spilled across Constitution Avenue and onto the National Mall. Vendors on the streets leading up to the entrance sold Harris T-shirts and caps while patrons waved small American flags and U.S. signs, singing along as a DJ played music including hip-hop and oldies such as like “Soul Train” and “YMCA” on a warm October evening.

To the music, signs. and glow bracelets given to all participants, the event resembled a convention speech. But unlike her commencement speech in Chicago this summer, Harris didn’t focus on her background. Now that voters are more familiar with her, she has looked primarily forward rather than backward.

“It’s time to stop pointing fingers. We need to stop pointing fingers and start clasping hands. It’s time to turn the page on drama and conflict, fear and division,” she said. “It’s time for a new generation of leaders in America. And I am ready to offer that leadership as the next President of the United States.”

Deep in the crowd, some people protesting the war in Gaza tried to disrupt Harris’ speech. But they were drowned out by chants of “Kamala” or “USA” as they were led out.

Harris’ campaign officials said the speech was intended to contrast what they called her “optimistic and hopeful message” with Trump’s strategy to “sow division and hatred” in a race that polls show is neck-and-neck. finish line

“We’re very focused on doing everything we can to reach voters who are still deciding and making sure they hear directly from the vice president,” Harris campaign manager Jen O’ told reporters. Mally Dillon.

According to her, the decision to hold the performance at the Ellipse was not accidental.

“We believe this seat will help crystallize the choice in this election between a candidate who seeks unlimited power in Donald Trump and another candidate who actually offers real solutions to chart a new path forward,” O’Malley Dillon said.

In her speech, Harris referenced the Jan. 6 insurrection, accusing Trump of being “unstable, obsessed with revenge, consumed by grievances and seeking unchecked power.”

“He says one of his top priorities is the release of violent extremists who attacked law enforcement officers on Jan. 6,” Harris said. “Donald Trump intends to use the US military against American citizens who simply do not agree with him. The people he calls, I quote, “enemies from within.” This is not a presidential candidate who thinks about how to make your life better.”

After the speech, campaign officials said Harris plans to hit all seven battleground states in the home stretch of the campaign, starting with stops in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Wisconsin on Wednesday.

---

Jim Puzzanghera can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @JimPuzzanghera.