Harris Closing Campaign Speech, Pledges ‘Country Above Party’

Harris Closing Campaign Speech, Pledges ‘Country Above Party’ \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a closing campaign speech one week before Election Day from the Ellipse near the Capitol, promising to “put country above party.” Harris contrasted her approach with that of former President Donald Trump, warning that Trump’s divisive rhetoric threatens democracy. She pledged a unity-focused, inclusive leadership approach to bridge divides and address issues like economic reform and reproductive rights.

Kamala Harris Closes Campaign with Unity Pledge: Key Points

• Final Push for Unity: Harris called for “country above party” in her last campaign speech, contrasting her vision with Trump’s.
• Historic Location: She spoke from the Ellipse, where Trump previously incited the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection, underscoring her appeal for unity.
• Focus on Key Issues: Harris highlighted plans for economic growth, access to reproductive care, and broad national unity.
• Contrast with Trump: Harris criticized Trump for fixating on grievances and division, portraying herself as forward-focused and inclusive.
• Notable Attendees: Key figures and everyday Americans attended, with messages from those impacted by policies Harris aims to address, including reproductive rights and democracy.

Deep Look

Kamala Harris Closes Presidential Campaign with Pledge to ‘Put Country Above Party’ from Historic Capitol Site

Vice President Kamala Harris delivered her closing campaign message on Tuesday, just a week before Election Day, with a speech from the Ellipse, the same site where former President Donald Trump incited the Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021. In a powerful address, Harris emphasized her vision of “country above party” and positioned herself as a unifying candidate who prioritizes the interests of Americans over partisanship. This speech, delivered to a large crowd that spilled out under the Washington Monument, marked the culmination of her campaign.

Harris opened by contrasting herself with Trump, saying that her goal is to help Americans live better lives while accusing Trump of running a campaign “only for himself.” She reflected on Trump’s rhetoric from January 6, describing him as someone who has “spent a decade trying to keep Americans divided and afraid of each other.” Harris urged her audience to remember the America she believes in—one that stands for unity and collective progress.

A Deliberate Setting to Underscore a Message of Unity

Delivering her final campaign speech from the Ellipse was a symbolic choice. It was at this very location that Trump spoke to his supporters before the attack on the Capitol in 2021. “Look, we know who Donald Trump is,” Harris said, highlighting the past actions that she believes characterize her opponent. “He is the person who stood at this very spot nearly four years ago and sent an armed mob to the United States Capitol to overturn the will of the people in a free and fair election.”

In contrast to President Joe Biden’s speeches, which have frequently centered on the principles of democracy, Harris aimed to make her appeal broader, focusing on what her presidency could mean for voters’ lives. She urged Americans to consider the long-term consequences of their choices, stating, “He has an enemies list of people he intends to prosecute,” referencing Trump’s recent statements about targeting certain groups and individuals. “This is not a candidate for president who is thinking about how to make your life better,” she continued.

Gathering Support from Key Figures and Everyday Americans

The rally attracted a large crowd in Washington, including prominent figures and everyday citizens whose stories represent issues central to Harris’s campaign. Amanda Zurawski, a woman from Texas who nearly died from sepsis after being denied care under the state’s strict abortion ban, was among the speakers. Craig Sicknick, brother of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick who died following the January 6 attack, also addressed the crowd. Their presence served as a reminder of the personal stakes in the election, resonating with many attendees like Ruth Chiari of Charlottesville, Virginia, who said she came to “support democracy” in what she described as a pivotal election.

Kathleen Nicholas, who works in government relations in Washington, echoed these sentiments, noting the significance of Harris’s choice of location. “I like she chose this place for her closing. Having something that is a direct contrast to that day is what we needed,” she said, recalling the stark contrast between the current crowd and the one on January 6.

A Message for the Battleground States

Harris’s campaign has emphasized reaching undecided voters, especially in battleground states, hoping to sway those still on the fence or undecided about voting. In the days leading up to this speech, Harris visited Texas to rally support alongside megastar Beyoncé, focusing on reproductive rights and appealing to women affected by the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Harris’s speech at the Ellipse was intended to underscore her campaign’s final push to capture the attention of voters in key states.

With Trump hosting a rally just days prior in New York, where speakers targeted his political opponents with divisive language, Harris used this moment to draw a clear distinction. “He is focused and actually fixated on his grievances, on himself, and on dividing our country,” she said. Harris’s campaign communications director, Michael Tyler, emphasized the importance of her speech in encapsulating her message: “She’s already made her case, she’s presented the evidence. She’s offering up a summation tonight, and she has faith in the wisdom of the jury,” Tyler said, referring to American voters.

Harris’ Vision for Unity and Inclusion

In her closing argument, Harris offered a pragmatic and forward-thinking plan, reminding voters of her economic policies and commitments to reproductive healthcare access, including the right to abortion. Harris sought to distinguish herself from Trump by pledging to represent all Americans, even those who may disagree with her policies. “Unlike Donald Trump, I don’t believe people who disagree with me are the enemy,” she said. “He wants to put them in jail. I’ll give them a seat at my table.”

Additionally, Harris framed herself as part of a new generation of leadership, offering a fresh perspective after years of political friction under Trump and even her current running mate, President Biden. “It doesn’t have to be this way,” she said. “We have to stop pointing fingers and start locking arms. It is time to turn the page on the drama, conflict, and confusion.”

Trump’s Response and Harris’s Final Appeal

Hours before Harris’s address, Trump spoke to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, criticizing her for not addressing what he considers to be “kitchen-table” issues. “She keeps talking about Hitler and Nazis because her record’s horrible,” he said, referring to Harris’s recent comments warning against the risks of authoritarianism. Harris, for her part, responded by pointing to Trump’s grievances, which she argued detract from genuine efforts to address Americans’ everyday needs.

As Election Day approaches, Harris’s campaign team remains focused on highlighting her differences with Trump, believing this to be the most compelling reason for voters to turn out. “I will work every day to build consensus and reach compromise to get things done,” she assured the crowd. Her speech at the Ellipse underscored her commitment to unity, compassion, and progress, principles she believes Americans are eager to see in the Oval Office.

With only days remaining in the race, Harris’s closing message aimed to appeal to voters seeking a fresh, collaborative approach to governance. In the words of her campaign team, this was her summation—a final effort to earn the trust of the American people and redefine leadership with a vision of unity and purpose.

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