Democratic presidential candidate and current U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a passionate closing argument on Tuesday, pledging to listen to Americans—whether they vote for her or not. Acknowledging her imperfections, the 60-year-old emphasized her commitment to honesty and her readiness to serve all citizens.
“I’ll be honest with you: I’m not perfect,” Harris said. “I make mistakes. But here’s what I promise you: I will always listen to you, even if you don’t vote for me. I will always tell you the truth, even if it’s hard to hear. I will work every day to build consensus and reach compromise to get things done. And if you give me the chance to fight on your behalf, there is nothing in the world that will stand in my way.”
Harris delivered her speech from the Ellipse, the same spot where the former president rallied supporters before the Capitol insurrection in 2021. She began by reminding voters of Donald Trump’s role in the events of January 6, 2021, when false claims about the 2020 election encouraged a mob to storm the Capitol. She also noted his threats to use the military against political opponents and his tendency to label dissenters as “the enemy from within.”
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“Look, we know who Donald Trump is,” Harris said. “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.” She added that Trump “has spent a decade trying to keep the American people divided and afraid of each other.”
“This is not a candidate for president who is thinking about how to make your life better,” Harris continued, describing Trump as a “petty tyrant” and “wannabe dictator.” She added, “But America, I am here tonight to say: That’s not who we are. It doesn’t have to be this way.”
Harris contrasted herself with Trump by outlining key policy goals, including expanding Medicare coverage for home health care, increasing affordable housing, and restoring nationwide access to abortion.
She also framed herself as part of a “new generation” of leadership, ready to move beyond divisiveness.
“It is time to stop pointing fingers and start locking arms,” she said. “It is time to turn the page on the drama and conflict, the fear and division. It is time for a new generation of leadership in America. And I am ready to offer that leadership as the next president of the United States.”
Harris acknowledged that many Americans are still getting to know her after her unexpected elevation to the top of the Democratic ticket following Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race in July.
“I recognize this has not been a typical campaign,” she admitted, affirming that she’s “not afraid of tough fights against bad actors and powerful interests.”
Kamala Harris delivered her closing argument just days before the 2024 U.S. election.
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