By Katie Rogers and Reid J. Epstein
In the final significant address of her campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris launched a passionate attack against former President Donald Trump, describing him as “driven by grievance and seeking unrestrained power,” while positioning herself as a champion for a fresh wave of leadership.
Speaking before what her campaign claimed was approximately 75,000 attendees gathered at the Ellipse, a park located just south of the White House, Harris intensified her argument, making reference to the seat of national authority while reminding her audience of a riot that occurred less than two miles away.
“In under 90 days, either Donald Trump or I will occupy the Oval Office,” she declared, gesturing to the iconic building behind her. “On Day 1, should he win, Donald Trump would enter that office with a list of enemies. If I win, I will step in with a to-do list.”
However, her address needed to serve a purpose beyond mere criticism of Trump. On the 101st day of her unexpected presidential campaign, Harris depicted herself as a former prosecutor dedicated to serving the public, taking a moment to highlight that her professional background was largely outside of Washington and asserting that “not all valuable ideas originate from here.”
Expressing her message in a straightforward yet impactful manner, Harris conveyed to the crowd that while she might not be a flawless president, she would lead with a focus on unity, rooted in her lifelong commitment to defending individuals who have faced abuse or victimization.
Moreover, she employed historical context to bolster her argument, stating that the nation was established “when we claimed freedom from a minor tyrant” and that throughout history, Americans have battled both foreign and domestic threats to uphold the ideals of democracy.
“They did not struggle and sacrifice, nor lay down their lives, just to have us relinquish our essential freedoms, nor to see us yield to the authority of another minor tyrant,” Harris asserted. “The United States of America is not a pawn for the ambitions of aspiring dictators. The United States of America represents the greatest concept humanity has ever invented.”
During her speech, Harris aimed to maintain focus on the stark contrast between herself and Trump. As she outlined her policy proposals, she cautioned that his plans would perpetuate harm to Americans.
She indicated that he would seek to overturn the Affordable Care Act, legislation that currently enjoys favor among most Americans, despite Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, indicating his intentions to seek an overhaul of its provisions.
Harris claimed that Trump would again implement tax reductions for the wealthiest individuals. She emphasized that her administration would combat corporate price hikes and assist in reducing costs for Americans via tax advantages for homeowners, parents, and caregivers.
“It honestly disturbs me when people are treated unfairly or ignored — I cannot abide it,” Harris remarked, adding, “If you allow me the opportunity to defend your rights, nothing in the world will deter me.”
She stated that a Harris administration would stand firm against a series of abortion regulations and emphasized the risk of a broader regression of reproductive rights. She referred to other initiatives outlined by Project 2025, a policy framework for a conservative presidential administration created by many of Trump’s allies.
“I will strive to restore what Donald Trump and his chosen Supreme Court justices have taken away from the women of America,” Harris declared to the cheering crowd.
As she spoke, Harris implicitly resurrected a key but unfulfilled promise from her running mate, President Joe Biden, asserting that she could act as a leader who brings Americans together. It served as a reminder of the Republican endorsements she garnered along her journey and a plea to undecided voters to envision what a future under a Harris presidency could entail.
“I commit to listen to experts,” Harris stated. “To those impacted by the decisions I take. And to individuals who may disagree with me.”
She continued: “Unlike Donald Trump, I do not perceive those who disagree with me as enemies. He seeks to imprison them. I will welcome them to my table.”
Even as she advocated for herself, her cautionary messages regarding Trump formed the backbone of her argument. She consistently attempted to connect his actions and increasingly aggressive rhetoric to the forces that fueled the 2021 Capitol riot, positing that a second term for Trump would present a grave threat to American civic integrity.
“Donald Trump has spent the last decade attempting to keep the American populace divided and fearful of one another — that is his nature,” Harris said. “But America, I stand here tonight to assert, is not defined by that.”
Her address was given shortly after speakers at Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden had targeted various groups including Black individuals, Puerto Ricans, Arabs, Jews, Harris, and other Democrats. Trump has not distanced himself from these remarks, despite attempts by his campaign.
In a bid to create a more pronounced contrast with Trump, Harris dedicated much of her Thursday to practicing at a historic venue in Washington, refining her speech and making final adjustments under the watchful eyes of her advisors. The aim was to craft the most compelling rationale to win over those who may harbor mistrust towards both Harris and Trump but find another term for Trump unpalatable.
Before concluding her address and redirecting her focus back to the campaign trail, she positioned herself, along with the audience that extended across the Ellipse and beyond towards the Washington Monument grounds, firmly within the context of American history.
“That is why I am in this contest,” she stated. “To advocate for the people, just as I always have.”
