Economy and Democracy? Harris Aims to Promote Both in Her Final Pitch.
Democrats aim to revive the enthusiasm reminiscent of the initial phase of the vice president's campaign, subtly contrasting her approach with that of the former president.
TroibNews 
Kamala Harris is set to present the final argument of her campaign on Tuesday from the Ellipse, a site associated with Donald Trump’s incitement of the mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol nearly four years ago.
While her remarks will take place against the significant backdrop of the White House, according to a senior campaign official, they will not center explicitly around democracy or the events of January 6. Instead, Harris is expected to draw a broader contrast with Trump, focusing on how he prioritizes his own interests and personal “enemies” list, whereas she will emphasize her commitment to her “to-do” list aimed at lowering costs and assisting Americans.
Harris’s team seeks to reignite the enthusiasm that stemmed from the early days of her candidacy, envisioning her presidency as a way to end the divisive politics that have characterized the past decade, particularly under Trump's GOP. This speech follows closely after Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally, which included racist and vulgar comments.
The campaign believes that the choice of venue will enhance Harris’ closing message. Similar to how they highlighted abortion rights during her recent Houston visit, they aim to utilize the location to convey a national message: by addressing the site where Trump infamously urged his supporters to “fight like hell” on January 6, 2021, Harris can present a strikingly different vision for governance.
Her speech is expected to convey an optimistic and forward-looking tone, aiming to outline her presidential vision and urging Americans to “turn the page” on the Trump era—a recurring theme in her campaign. She intends to position the needs of the country above partisan lines and prioritize service for both Republicans and Democrats.
The weight of this closing message reflects the central challenge Harris has faced during her campaign. She aims to connect various issues—ranging from the economy to individual freedoms and democracy—while addressing concerns about a potential second Trump administration and appealing to undecided voters eager to learn more about her agenda.
“She’s thinking about this as laying out a vision, and she’s got to do it as clearly and concisely as she can,” a Democrat close to Harris's campaign noted, emphasizing the need to appeal to voters concerned about safety and economic issues, alongside those who grasp the broader implications for democracy.
The latest NORC survey indicates that inflation is a primary concern for infrequent voters, whereas democracy tops the list for those who vote regularly. Harris intends to address both demographics in her speech, working to assure those worried about democratic risks posed by Trump and voters focused on everyday economic issues.
Harris’s campaign has seized the opportunity to spotlight Trump’s rhetoric and the growing number of Republicans, including former Trump administration officials and military leaders, who are speaking out against him. Campaign insiders believe this discontent among his former allies might sway independents and dissatisfied Republican voters. However, some Democrats have cautioned that issues of democracy may not resonate with voters primarily concerned about elevated post-pandemic costs.
Economic concerns will feature prominently in Harris’s speech, in which she will discuss reducing costs and contrast her plans with Trump’s proposals that she claims would negatively impact middle-class and working families.
Over the weekend, Trump delivered his own closing remarks at a Madison Square Garden rally, asserting that Harris “broke” America and claiming he could “fix” it. However, the fallout from the offensive remarks that preceded his appearance has overshadowed any intended messages.
In an implicit move to counter Trump, Harris plans to carry the message from her Washington speech into battleground states as her campaign enters its final stretch. She has scheduled visits to Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, starting Wednesday.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
While her remarks will take place against the significant backdrop of the White House, according to a senior campaign official, they will not center explicitly around democracy or the events of January 6. Instead, Harris is expected to draw a broader contrast with Trump, focusing on how he prioritizes his own interests and personal “enemies” list, whereas she will emphasize her commitment to her “to-do” list aimed at lowering costs and assisting Americans.
Harris’s team seeks to reignite the enthusiasm that stemmed from the early days of her candidacy, envisioning her presidency as a way to end the divisive politics that have characterized the past decade, particularly under Trump's GOP. This speech follows closely after Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally, which included racist and vulgar comments.
The campaign believes that the choice of venue will enhance Harris’ closing message. Similar to how they highlighted abortion rights during her recent Houston visit, they aim to utilize the location to convey a national message: by addressing the site where Trump infamously urged his supporters to “fight like hell” on January 6, 2021, Harris can present a strikingly different vision for governance.
Her speech is expected to convey an optimistic and forward-looking tone, aiming to outline her presidential vision and urging Americans to “turn the page” on the Trump era—a recurring theme in her campaign. She intends to position the needs of the country above partisan lines and prioritize service for both Republicans and Democrats.
The weight of this closing message reflects the central challenge Harris has faced during her campaign. She aims to connect various issues—ranging from the economy to individual freedoms and democracy—while addressing concerns about a potential second Trump administration and appealing to undecided voters eager to learn more about her agenda.
“She’s thinking about this as laying out a vision, and she’s got to do it as clearly and concisely as she can,” a Democrat close to Harris's campaign noted, emphasizing the need to appeal to voters concerned about safety and economic issues, alongside those who grasp the broader implications for democracy.
The latest NORC survey indicates that inflation is a primary concern for infrequent voters, whereas democracy tops the list for those who vote regularly. Harris intends to address both demographics in her speech, working to assure those worried about democratic risks posed by Trump and voters focused on everyday economic issues.
Harris’s campaign has seized the opportunity to spotlight Trump’s rhetoric and the growing number of Republicans, including former Trump administration officials and military leaders, who are speaking out against him. Campaign insiders believe this discontent among his former allies might sway independents and dissatisfied Republican voters. However, some Democrats have cautioned that issues of democracy may not resonate with voters primarily concerned about elevated post-pandemic costs.
Economic concerns will feature prominently in Harris’s speech, in which she will discuss reducing costs and contrast her plans with Trump’s proposals that she claims would negatively impact middle-class and working families.
Over the weekend, Trump delivered his own closing remarks at a Madison Square Garden rally, asserting that Harris “broke” America and claiming he could “fix” it. However, the fallout from the offensive remarks that preceded his appearance has overshadowed any intended messages.
In an implicit move to counter Trump, Harris plans to carry the message from her Washington speech into battleground states as her campaign enters its final stretch. She has scheduled visits to Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, starting Wednesday.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
