Democrat Kamala Harris addressed a large rally in Washington, D.C., warning that her Republican rival, Donald Trump, is pursuing unchecked power as the presidential race enters its final week. Speaking to an outdoor crowd estimated by her campaign to be over 75,000 strong, Harris delivered her message near the White House, the same location where Trump spoke on January 6, 2021, prior to the Capitol riots.
“We know who Donald Trump is,” Harris declared, highlighting that he incited an “armed mob” to storm the Capitol in a bid to overturn his defeat in the 2020 election. She characterized Trump as “unstable, obsessed with revenge, consumed with grievance, and out for unchecked power,” framing her remarks as a final appeal ahead of the closely contested election on November 5.
As of now, over 53 million Americans have already cast their votes, according to the University of Florida’s Election Hub, in an election that will shape the leadership of the world’s most powerful nation for the next four years.
During her speech, Harris stood on stage surrounded by American flags and blue and white banners emblazoned with the word “FREEDOM,” all while the White House loomed in the background. The crowd was diverse, including older individuals, college students, and many women who attended in groups. Saul Schwartz, a former federal employee from Alexandria, Virginia, emphasized the importance of moving away from the negative policies of the Trump era.
Danielle Hoffmann, a supporter from Staten Island, New York, expressed her admiration for Harris, stating, “She is everything that I always wanted in a president. She is joyous, real, powerful, and she is a woman.”
Harris also made a point to address men, saying, “It’s time for you guys… to take a backseat because we’re driving right now,” referencing her husband, a Trump supporter.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated that Harris’s lead over Trump has tightened, showing her at 44% compared to Trump’s 43% among registered voters. Despite having led in the polls since her campaign launch in July, her advantage has diminished since late September. Trump and his supporters have attempted to downplay the events of January 6, with Trump describing a recent event in New York as “an absolute lovefest,” despite controversial remarks made by some speakers.
In related news, President Joe Biden faced backlash from Trump’s campaign for condemning the hateful rhetoric of Trump’s supporters as “unconscionable and un-American.” Biden later clarified that such comments do not reflect the true values of the country.
