In a stunning display of public support, Vice President Kamala Harris rallied an unprecedented 75,000 spectators at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night, just one week before Election Day. The massive crowd broke Harris’ previous attendance record and even eclipsed former President Donald Trump’s infamous January 6 rally, which drew around 53,000 people.
With chants of “Here we go!” filling the night air, Harris took to the stage at the symbolic location near the White House to deliver a resounding critique of Trump. Her campaign’s rapid response director, Ammar Moussa, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, celebrating the “OVER 75,000 people on the National Mall” for Harris’ closing argument, an impressive contrast to Trump’s recent, more contentious events.
Harris vs. Trump: A War of Words and Crowds
Harris’ speech followed Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally on Sunday, where his closing remarks were marred by inflammatory and racially charged statements, prompting backlash. Trump, often known for hyping his own crowd sizes, claimed a “beautiful lovefest” at the venue, which can hold up to 19,500 people. Harris, however, achieved a capacity crowd on the National Mall with overflow attendees, underscoring her momentum as Election Day nears.
During her speech, Harris took aim at Trump’s divisive language, condemning his repeated comments about the “enemy within” and criticizing his vision for a fractured America. “Donald Trump has spent a decade trying to keep the American people divided and afraid of each other,” she said. “That is who he is. But America, I am here tonight to say that is not who we are.”
Harris’ previous attendance milestone was set just days earlier at a Houston rally with Beyoncé, drawing around 30,000 people in support of reproductive rights. The crowd in D.C. marks a significant escalation in her campaign’s visibility, capitalizing on heightened voter engagement as Election Day approaches.
“The Enemy Within” Rhetoric: A Heated Exchange
Trump’s recent speeches have drawn sharp criticism for their incendiary tone. At Madison Square Garden, he labeled the Democratic Party a “massive, crooked, malicious leftist machine” and called for defeating what he describes as “the enemy within.” Trump’s event also saw controversial remarks from comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who disparaged Puerto Rico in a joke later disavowed by Trump’s team.
Harris seized on Trump’s comments, warning of his potential misuse of power. “Donald Trump intends to use the United States military against American citizens who simply disagree with him,” she said. “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 my table.”
Harris’ powerful statements resonated with the crowd, drawing applause and cheers as she articulated a vision for a united America. By directly challenging Trump’s rhetoric, Harris appears to be framing the upcoming election as a stark choice between unity and division, with a strong appeal to moderate and undecided voters.
A Final Push for Unity and Inclusivity
Harris’ Ellipse speech, laden with calls for national solidarity, represents her campaign’s strategy to counter Trump’s polarizing approach. By speaking at the site where Trump delivered his “Save America” rally on January 6, Harris highlighted the contrast between her message of inclusivity and Trump’s combative style. Her presence in Washington, D.C., one of the nation’s most politically charged venues, suggests a push to galvanize Democratic support and rally the undecided ahead of the election.
In a closing line that drew thunderous applause, Harris reiterated her stance on unity: “Unlike my opponent, I believe in a country where everyone—no matter their beliefs—has a place at the table. We are stronger together, not apart.”
With Election Day now in sight, Harris’ record-breaking crowd and powerful message may signal a turning point, intensifying the contrast with Trump’s combative approach and setting the stage for a climactic election showdown.
Sources for this article include CNN, the Wall Street Journal, and statements from Harris’ campaign.
