Harris Urges Americans to “Turn the Page” on Trump
WASHINGTON – In front of a brightly lit White House, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris called on undecided voters Tuesday night. She urged Americans to “turn the page” on Donald Trump and presented her vision for a more united future. Contrasting her approach with Trump’s January 6 speech at the Ellipse, Harris framed her campaign as a chance to move past division and turmoil.
Harris outlined her plan for a hopeful presidency and criticized Trump’s record of discord and division. “For too long, America has been mired in division, chaos, and distrust. It doesn’t have to be this way,” she declared. “It’s time to stop pointing fingers and start coming together. Let’s leave behind the drama, conflict, fear, and division.”
Speaking to an estimated crowd of 75,000 supporters, Harris declared her readiness to lead the nation. “We need a new generation of leadership in America. I am ready to provide that leadership,” she proclaimed. With Election Day only a week away on November 5, Harris and Trump have been crisscrossing the nation, each aiming to win over disenchanted voters.
The back-and-forth between the two candidates has grown more intense. Trump’s campaign labeled Harris’ speech as “dark, angry, and desperate.” They accused her of divisiveness, contrasting Trump’s focus on “fixing the economy, securing the border, and restoring America’s strength.” Trump’s team also blamed Harris for inflation, rising prices, and increased immigration.
Harris addressed these criticisms by calling on Americans not planning to vote to reconsider. She reminded them of Trump’s role on January 6, saying, “We know who Donald Trump is. He stood right here almost four years ago, sending an armed mob to the Capitol to overturn a free and fair election he knew he lost.”
She pledged a presidency of action and unity, promising, “My presidency will be different because our challenges are different. Four years ago, we were focused on the pandemic; now, our top challenge is lowering costs that were rising even before the pandemic.”
Harris Aims to Reclaim the Ellipse from January 6 Legacy
Before Harris’ speech, thousands of supporters lined the streets from the National Mall to Pennsylvania Avenue. Street vendors sold campaign merchandise, and upbeat music filled the air. Attendees wore shirts with slogans like “Vote” and “Black Lives Matter,” while others paid tribute to Harris’ signature Converse sneakers.
Inside the venue, music from Harris-endorsing artists like Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lopez played alongside classics like the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.” Volunteers distributed cotton candy and other treats, creating a festival-like atmosphere.
Daraja Carroll, a 28-year-old attendee, said she felt compelled to attend. “I couldn’t just sit at home,” she shared. As a Black woman attorney and descendant of enslaved people, she found significance in Harris’ campaign. “It’s important to reclaim this space,” Carroll said, highlighting the historical weight of the Ellipse and its connection to January 6.
Tosha Taylor, a military veteran, noted the difference between Harris’ rally and Trump’s past events. “This gathering is full of solidarity and patriotism,” she said, praising the positive energy in the crowd. The contrast with the hostility seen in past rallies was clear to her.
Supporters like Suzy Wagner echoed this sentiment. She saw Harris’ message as a clear departure from Trump’s tactics of fear and division. “We’re just over it,” Wagner said, capturing the mood of many in attendance. They viewed the event as a call for change and a fresh start for the nation.