Kamala Harris Delivers a Vision of Unity and Resolve at Historic Ellipse Address

Before a crowd of over 75,000, Vice President Kamala Harris shared a forward-looking vision for America, emphasizing unity and a commitment to put country above self in stark contrast to Donald Trump.

Democratic presidential nominee U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris waves from the stage during a rally on the National Mall, one week before the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election, in Washington, U.S., October 29, 2024. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

In a defining moment of her campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed over 75,000 people gathered at The Ellipse in Washington, D.C., the very spot where Donald Trump once spoke to a crowd he sent toward the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021. Harris’ message—centered on hope, unity, and a commitment to prioritize country over personal ambition—was a striking contrast to the rhetoric marking Trump’s recent closing arguments. Her speech, echoing with optimism and resolve, was a call to Americans to “turn the page” on what she described as “drama and conflict” in favor of national healing and collective progress.

Supporters of Democratic presidential nominee U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris attend a rally on the National Mall one week before the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election, in Washington, U.S., October 29, 2024. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

“Next week, you have the chance to make a decision that will directly impact your life, the lives of your family, and the future of this country,” Harris told the crowd. She framed the choice as one between “freedom for every American” and a “nation ruled by chaos and division,” urging Americans to reject a return to the dark days of January 6th and the Trump administration. Harris reminded the crowd that Trump, obsessed with settling personal grievances, had assembled an “Enemies List” instead of a plan for Americans. She assured listeners that her priorities would focus on addressing the real needs of the people with “a to-do list for Americans,” outlining goals that include tackling high costs, improving healthcare, and protecting reproductive rights.

Harris’ commitment to an inclusive America was clear throughout her speech. Drawing upon her career of “holding the powerful accountable,” she described her journey as one defined by a drive to protect those overlooked by the system. In her presidency, she promised, “I will be a president for all Americans. I will always put country above party and above self.” She spoke to the unity at the heart of the American motto, “E Pluribus Unum,” pointing out that, unlike Trump, she sees those who disagree as fellow citizens, not “enemies from within.” “Unlike Donald Trump, I don’t believe people who disagree with me are the enemy. He wants to put them in jail. I’ll give them a seat at the table,” said Harris.

Harris’ speech offered a sharp contrast to Trump’s recent closing remarks. In recent weeks, Trump has called America a “garbage can,” threatened to use the military against those who oppose him, and called for “bloody” mass deportations. Just days ago, a speaker at Trump’s event at Madison Square Garden, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, made racist remarks calling Puerto Rico “an island of garbage.” Trump himself has echoed sentiments of division, targeting Haitian immigrants with baseless accusations and calling for their deportation. Harris, in stark contrast, extended her vision of a “government that serves everyone,” committed to building bridges rather than walls between Americans.

As the speech crescendoed, Harris spoke to her broader vision of American strength and unity. With a nod to the historical struggles that have shaped the country, she urged Americans to reject what she described as the appeal of a “petty tyrant” who “seeks unchecked power and disregards the rule of law.” Drawing from her experiences growing up as the child of civil rights activists, she reminded the audience of the long legacy of Americans who stood up to injustice—those at “Normandy and Selma, Seneca Falls and Stonewall”—who never sacrificed America’s ideals for the power of any one person.

Harris concluded with a vision of hope that resonated across The Ellipse and beyond. “Let us reach for that future,” she said, calling for Americans to take up their role in the nation’s most extraordinary story. She pledged to approach the presidency “with joy and optimism,” to “fight for the people,” and to protect America’s promise for future generations. In less than one week, Americans will face a choice between Trump’s path of “more chaos and division” and Harris’ promise of unity, strength, and shared purpose.