Kamala Harris Calls for Unity and Leadership at Her Closing Arguments Campaign Rally

UPDATED: Oct 30, 2024 11:19 IST

Washington, D.C. — In a major rally held outside the White House, Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a passionate address to a crowd of 75,000 supporters, presenting a stark choice to voters ahead of the upcoming election. In her closing argument, Harris framed the election as a pivotal moment, urging Americans to move past division and embrace a forward-looking vision for the country.

"One week from today, you will have the chance to make a decision that directly impacts your life, the life of your family, and the future of this country we love," Harris told the crowd. "It is time to stop pointing fingers and start locking arms."

With only days remaining until the election, Harris's speech marked a pivotal moment in her campaign. She highlighted her commitment to putting the country over partisan divides, contrasting her platform with what she described as a dark period of chaos under former President Donald Trump. She outlined the stakes clearly, accusing Trump of being "obsessed with revenge" and "consumed with grievance."

Throughout her remarks, Harris portrayed Trump as a leader focused on self-interest and divisive tactics. "Donald Trump has spent a decade trying to keep the American people divided and afraid of each other," she said. She recalled the events of January 6, 2021, highlighting the harm caused and accused Trump of fostering an environment of hostility. “That’s who Donald Trump is. And that is who is asking you to give him another four years in the Oval Office,” she stated firmly.

The vice president’s message resonated with a call for unity. Emphasising the country’s motto, "E Pluribus Unum," she stressed the importance of recognising differences as strengths and not enemies. "We don’t shy away from robust debate," Harris noted, "The fact that someone disagrees with us, does not make them 'the enemy from within.' They are family, neighbours, classmates, coworkers. They are fellow Americans."

Harris pledged to be a president who would "work with everyone—Democrats, Republicans, and Independents" to tackle pressing issues like rising costs, housing, and reproductive rights. She laid out her plans to lower prescription drug prices, enact a federal ban on price gouging for groceries, support affordable housing, and expand Medicare to cover home care.

In one of the most pointed parts of her speech, Harris accused Trump of planning to eliminate protections like the Affordable Care Act, while imposing a "Trump Sales Tax" that she claims would cost families an average of $4,000 per year. She contrasted his priorities with her promise to deliver tax cuts to working people and the middle class.

"Donald Trump’s answer to you is the same as before, another trillion dollars in tax cuts for billionaires and big corporations," Harris said, promising to fight for the financial well-being of everyday Americans.

On reproductive rights, Harris was unequivocal. She vowed to restore the protections that were rolled back by the Supreme Court and warned of Trump’s intentions to impose a nationwide abortion ban. "One in three women in America lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban," she stated, promising to be a champion for women’s rights.

The speech also touched on immigration, national security, and foreign policy. Harris accused Trump of "contempt" for American troops and vowed to rebuild trust with allies. "I will strengthen, not surrender, America’s global leadership," she declared.

In a clear appeal to voters still undecided or considering sitting out the election, Harris presented herself as a candidate who listens and seeks common ground. "I will always listen to you, even if you don’t vote for me," she said. "Unlike Donald Trump, I don’t believe people who disagree with me are the enemy."

The rally marks the beginning of an intense final stretch of campaigning as Harris plans to visit key battleground states in the days leading up to the election. As she concluded her speech, Harris urged voters to remember the nation’s shared values and the promise of America. "America, I know that the vast majority of us have so much more in common than what separates us," she said. "That’s why I’m in this race—to fight for The People, just like I always have."

With her final appeal, Harris left the crowd energised, pledging to lead with compassion, optimism, and a commitment to the country’s core values. "I pledge to be a President for all Americans. To always put country above party and above self," she promised, her words resonating as a call to unity in a divided political landscape.