Kamala Harris Pushes for Unity, Criticizes Trump’s 2021 Speech \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Vice President Kamala Harris plans to deliver a powerful speech at the Ellipse, near the White House, the same location where Donald Trump incited the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. With one week left before Election Day, Harris will use this moment to urge the nation to embrace unity and turn the page on Trump’s divisive legacy. Her address highlights the struggle between defending democracy and political chaos, an argument made even more critical by recent polls showing a sharp divide between voters’ top concerns, including the economy and democratic integrity.
Kamala Harris Ellipse Speech: Quick Look
- Symbolic Location: Harris will give her speech at the Ellipse, where Trump addressed supporters on January 6, 2021, before the Capitol riot.
- Core Message: She will urge Americans to “turn the page” on division, contrasting democracy with Trump’s chaotic political style.
- Polling Trends: A September CNN poll shows that while 4 in 10 voters prioritize the economy, 2 in 10 list protecting democracy as their top concern.
- Trump’s Response: Trump continues to defend Capitol rioters, promising pardons if re-elected, and focusing on topics like the economy and immigration.
- Philadelphia Campaign Stop: Harris energized supporters during a visit to the Famous 4th Street Deli in Philadelphia, before participating in a CNN town hall aimed at undecided voters.
Deep Look:
Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver a pivotal speech at the Ellipse, a historic location near the White House, where Donald Trump incited a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Harris’s speech, scheduled for one week before the 2024 Election Day, aims to sharpen the divide between her vision of democracy and Trump’s brand of political chaos. The speech marks a significant closing argument for the vice president’s campaign, setting the stage for voters to decide between unity and division.
The Ellipse holds deep significance in recent political history. On January 6, 2021, as Congress met to certify Joe Biden’s victory, Trump gave an inflammatory speech filled with false claims of voter fraud. He urged his supporters to “fight like hell” against the results of the 2020 election, ultimately leading to the deadly Capitol riot that shocked the nation. Hundreds of people stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the election results, and the fallout from that event still ripples through American politics. By choosing this location, Harris seeks to remind voters of the chaos Trump’s rhetoric has sown and to underscore the stakes of the upcoming election.
Harris’s campaign views this speech as a critical moment to convey her message that the country must “turn the page” and move away from Trump’s influence. The vice president has consistently emphasized unity, coalition-building, and the protection of democracy throughout her campaign, framing her message as a call for progress and inclusion. Her return to the Ellipse aims to offer a symbolic closing argument that contrasts sharply with Trump’s approach to governance.
According to a senior campaign official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the speech is still being developed, Harris will use the platform to stress that Americans are tired of the divisiveness that has come to define the Trump era. The speech is part of a broader effort to appeal to voters who see democracy itself as being under threat. It is a message aimed at mobilizing a base of supporters who are increasingly concerned about the future of democratic institutions in the face of Trump’s rhetoric.
Trump, on the other hand, has continued to defend his role in the events of January 6. In fact, he has promised to pardon those convicted for their involvement in the Capitol attack if he returns to the White House in 2024. This promise reinforces the stark contrast between the two candidates. While Harris is focused on healing the wounds of that day and moving the country forward, Trump remains committed to defending those who sought to undermine the democratic process.
Polling data further highlights the split between these competing visions. A CNN poll from September shows that 40% of likely voters consider the economy to be their most important issue in the election, while 20% prioritize protecting democracy. Notably, Harris supporters place a greater emphasis on defending democracy, with 4 in 10 calling it their top issue. By contrast, 60% of Trump supporters rank the economy as their primary concern, followed by immigration. Only 5% of Trump’s base considers safeguarding democracy as their most pressing issue, demonstrating the deep ideological divide between the two camps.
As both campaigns enter their final week, closing arguments like Harris’s speech at the Ellipse become critical moments for candidates to crystallize their messages and rally supporters. These speeches provide a chance to remind voters of the central themes of their campaigns and solidify their reasons for running. For Harris, it’s an opportunity to present a clear alternative to Trump’s divisive tactics and to highlight her vision of a united and forward-looking America.
Trump, meanwhile, has already begun signaling his own closing argument. At a rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, he hinted that his focus would be on defending his record and continuing his populist messaging. However, in true Trump fashion, the former president veered off-topic during the rally, spending over 10 minutes discussing the genitals of legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, rather than focusing on policy or his vision for the future. This moment encapsulates the unpredictable nature of Trump’s campaign and the sharp contrast between his and Harris’s approaches.
As part of her efforts to reach voters, Harris also made a campaign stop in Philadelphia, a key battleground state. She visited the Famous 4th Street Deli, a well-known political landmark that has been frequented by politicians since the 1970s. The deli, famous for its oversized sandwiches and political gossip, was bustling with activity as Harris greeted supporters and local officials. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker joined Harris during the visit, and the vice president posed for selfies with volunteers and campaign workers.
The mood was lighthearted and optimistic as Harris interacted with supporters, though she remained cautious when discussing the election. One man declared, “We’re gonna win,” to which Harris enthusiastically responded, “We are.” However, when addressing a larger crowd, she tempered her optimism, saying, “Knock wood, God willing, we are going to win.” Her comments reflect a mix of confidence and pragmatism, acknowledging the challenges of the campaign while maintaining a hopeful outlook.
Harris’s visit to Philadelphia was part of a broader effort to connect with undecided voters ahead of a CNN town hall, where she would take questions from the audience. The town hall had originally been conceived as a debate between Harris and Trump, but the two campaigns never reached an agreement on the format. Despite this, Harris used the event to further amplify her message of unity and coalition-building, echoing the themes she has championed throughout her campaign.
As the campaign enters its final stretch, Harris’s speech at the Ellipse will serve as a defining moment, offering voters a clear choice between her vision of an inclusive, democratic future and Trump’s divisive rhetoric. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as both candidates make their final appeals to a deeply divided electorate.
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