Harris Concludes with a Unifying Message, Promising a ‘New Generation of Leadership’
In a powerful address delivered at the Ellipse, a park situated between the White House and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., Vice President Kamala Harris articulated two starkly contrasting visions of America just one week ahead of the 2024 U.S. elections. This speech, held on the evening of October 29, 2024, served as her “closing argument” for why she is the ideal candidate to lead the country, positioning herself firmly against her Republican opponent, Donald Trump.
The choice of location was particularly symbolic. Trump had infamously spoken from the Ellipse on January 6, 2021, a moment that incited a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters. By addressing the crowd of tens of thousands gathered at this site, Harris sought to draw a clear line between her vision for the nation and the tumultuous legacy associated with Trump.
In her speech, Harris adopted a resolute tone on the issue of illegal migration, outlining her economic plans while simultaneously distancing herself from the Biden administration’s policies. She framed her candidacy as a beacon of unity, contrasting sharply with what she described as Trump’s penchant for division and conflict. “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 that he knew he lost,” she declared, emphasizing the stakes of the upcoming election. For her, this was not just another vote; it was perhaps the “most important vote” citizens would ever cast, representing a pivotal choice between “freedom” and “chaos and division.”
Harris’s portrayal of Trump was unflattering. She described him as “unstable, obsessed with revenge, consumed with grievance, and out for unchecked power.” This language underscored her broader message that Trump’s leadership would only deepen societal rifts. In advocating for unity, she urged Americans to “stop pointing fingers and start locking arms,” introducing the notion of a “new generation of leadership.” This phrase has frequently surfaced in her campaign, a clear strategy to differentiate herself from both Biden and Trump, who are significantly older.
As she laid out her vision, Harris emphasized that her presidency would diverge from Biden’s, mainly due to the unique challenges the nation faces today. Reassessing her previous comments that aligned her policy positions closely with Biden’s, she noted that now, with recovery from the pandemic complete, the focus should shift towards economic relief. She outlined her economic agenda, which includes initiatives such as capping insulin prices and providing tax credits for new parents. Harris contrasted these plans with Trump’s proposed tax cuts for billionaires and corporations, arguing that his import duties would effectively create a “Trump Sales Tax” on essential goods that American families rely on.
On immigration, Harris asserted her commitment to swiftly deport those who arrive unlawfully while pledging to crack down on drug cartels. She held Trump accountable for hindering border security legislation that the Biden administration was poised to pass, emphasizing a need for decisive action.
Turning to foreign policy, Harris asserted that under her leadership, the U.S. military would be the most formidable fighting force globally, and she would work to bolster America’s standing on the world stage. “World leaders think that Donald Trump is an easy mark, easy to manipulate with flattery and favor,” she remarked, suggesting that her administration would restore respect and strength to U.S. international relations.
Harris also raised alarms about Trump’s potential impact on reproductive rights, specifically concerning abortion and in vitro fertilization (IVF). She warned that under Trump’s influence, women’s pregnancies could come under surveillance. Although Trump has distanced himself from a right-wing governing plan known as Project 2025—which calls for states to report abortion data to avoid funding penalties—Harris highlighted the connection between Trump and this plan, which includes input from his former advisors.
Throughout her speech, Harris presented herself as a leader committed to progress, unity, and the protection of fundamental rights. By framing the election as a pivotal moment in American history, she appealed to voters to consider the long-term implications of their choices, urging them to opt for a future characterized by freedom, stability, and compassion over chaos and division. With the election just days away, her impassioned plea aimed to galvanize support, positioning her as a candidate capable of steering the nation towards a brighter, more inclusive future.