Kamala Harris/ Ellipse speech/ Capitol riot/ January 6/ Trump, 2024 election/ democracy/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Kamala Harris will make her final campaign argument at the Ellipse, where Trump sparked the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, urging voters to “turn the page” from political chaos to unity. Harris plans to focus on defending democracy in her address, contrasting her vision with Trump’s promises to pardon rioters. The speech, one week before Election Day, symbolizes the ongoing battle over the future of U.S. democracy.
Harris Closing Speech at the Ellipse: Quick Looks
- Symbolic location: Harris will speak at the Ellipse, where Trump incited the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
- Key message: Harris will stress the choice between democracy and political chaos.
- Trump contrast: Trump has promised to pardon Jan. 6 rioters if re-elected.
- Polls: While the economy dominates voter concerns, Harris’ supporters focus on protecting democracy.
Harris to Deliver Closing Campaign Speech at Ellipse, Site of Jan. 6 Riots
Deep Look
Vice President Kamala Harris is set to make her closing argument for the 2024 presidential campaign at a location fraught with symbolism: the Ellipse, near the White House, where Donald Trump delivered his infamous speech on January 6, 2021. It was here that Trump’s rhetoric incited a violent mob to storm the U.S. Capitol, attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Harris aims to draw a sharp contrast between defending democracy and the political chaos Trump incited, urging Americans to reject his brand of leadership and “turn the page” on the past.
The Harris campaign announced that she will speak at the Ellipse on Tuesday, just one week before voters head to the polls on November 5. The location holds deep historical significance, as it was the site where Trump falsely claimed widespread voter fraud in 2020, directly leading to the deadly riot at the Capitol. Harris’ choice to deliver her final speech here is a calculated effort to remind voters of the stakes in the upcoming election, emphasizing the ongoing threat Trump poses to the nation’s democratic institutions.
According to a senior Harris campaign official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the vice president will use the address to argue that the country must move beyond Trump’s divisive legacy. The speech is expected to highlight her central campaign theme of defending American freedoms, from reproductive rights to voting rights and the preservation of democracy itself. The official noted that Harris will stress the importance of protecting the democratic process, which came under direct assault on Jan. 6, and of rejecting the type of political violence that Trump has repeatedly justified.
Trump, who is running against Harris in this year’s election, has gone so far as to promise that, if re-elected, he will pardon those convicted of crimes related to the Capitol riot. This pledge, along with his ongoing insistence that the 2020 election was stolen from him, has been a key issue in Harris’ campaign. She argues that Trump’s leadership represents a threat to the core principles of democracy, warning voters that a second Trump term could see further erosion of democratic norms.
Harris’ team confirmed her upcoming speech at the Ellipse shortly before she appeared at a CNN town hall event in suburban Philadelphia on Wednesday night. During the town hall, she took questions from undecided voters and emphasized the significance of Jan. 6 as a turning point in American political history. When asked about the Capitol attack, Harris stated, “January 6 saw a president defying the will of the people in a free and fair election and unleashing a violent mob who attacked the United States Capitol.”
Throughout the campaign, Harris has made the defense of democracy a central issue. Although economic concerns continue to top the list of voter priorities, particularly for Republicans and Trump supporters, protecting democracy remains a key concern for many Democrats. According to a CNN poll from September, 4 in 10 likely voters said the economy was their top issue, while about 2 in 10 cited the protection of democracy. For Harris supporters, nearly half prioritize safeguarding democratic institutions over other issues like the economy or immigration.
At the town hall, Harris was also asked how she plans to differentiate her presidency from Joe Biden’s administration, given her close involvement as vice president. While she has often been hesitant to distance herself from Biden’s policies, Harris seemed more prepared to outline her own vision this time. She acknowledged that her administration would bring a “new generation of leadership,” stating that she would focus on issues such as expanding support for small businesses and providing more resources for family caregivers.
In terms of policy, Harris has positioned herself as an advocate for change while still supporting some of the Biden administration’s successes. She pledged to continue pushing for a greener energy economy while maintaining the role of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in states like Pennsylvania, despite having opposed it during the 2020 Democratic primaries. She explained that her views on energy policy have evolved, stating, “I now have the experience and perspective of having been vice president.”
The upcoming speech at the Ellipse is expected to be one of Harris’ most significant moments in the campaign, offering a final opportunity to frame the choice before voters in stark terms. On one side, she will present a vision of progress, unity, and respect for democratic institutions. On the other, she will highlight Trump’s divisive tactics, his willingness to stoke political violence, and his refusal to accept the results of free and fair elections.
Harris’ speech will aim to rally her base and appeal to undecided voters who remain wary of Trump’s return to power. As Election Day approaches, Harris is sharpening her message, emphasizing the importance of rejecting Trump’s authoritarian tendencies and choosing a future grounded in democratic values.
