Harris calls for a 'new generation of leadership' in closing argument address

WASHINGTON (TNND) — Vice President Kamala Harris has spent much of her presidential campaign telling supporters nationwide that it is time to "turn the page" and usher in a new era, one without former President Donald Trump in the picture.

On Tuesday night, Harris made her case in a high-profile address from the nation's capital, while noting that in just a week Americans will have the chance to make "the most important vote you ever cast."

"It is a choice about whether we have a country rooted in freedom for every American or ruled by chaos and division," Harris said. "Many of you watching have probably already cast your ballots, but I know many others are still considering who to vote for or whether you’ll vote at all."

The event was packed with thousands of supporters donning light-up bracelets, leading "Kamala" chants throughout the address.

The campaign chose the Ellipse for Harris' speech, which is where Trump spoke to his supporters before the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol in 2021.

“We know who Donald Trump is. 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. An election he knew he lost. Americans died because of that attack. 140 law enforcement officers were injured because of that attack," Harris explained.

Harris campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon called the choice “a stark visualization of probably the most infamous example of Donald Trump and how he’s used his power for bad," in a statement to the Associated Press.

Harris used the bulk of her address to lay out the case for why she is a better option than Trump and highlight her pledge to Americans.

“Donald Trump intends to use the United States military against people who disagree with him," Harris noted, referencing Trump's recent "the enemy within" comments.

This is someone who is unstable, obsessed with revenge, consumed with grievance and out for unchecked power.”

Harris told the crowd what she feels is the simple truth: "It doesn't have to be this way."

The vice president called for an ushering in of a "new generation of leadership" in America, noting that while it has not been the typical campaign, she realizes many are still working to get to know Harris.

Harris touched on her record as a prosecutor and role as Attorney General in California.

“I know that not all the good ideas come from here," Harris said about Washington, D.C. "I am not afraid to fight against bad actors and protect your interests."

As the speech, which was more robust than Harris' typical rally slate, progressed, she spoke about many of her key policy positions including the economy, the cost of housing, a child tax credit and caregiving.

Harris also spoke extensively about two major sticking points of the presidential campaign: abortion and immigration.

“I believe in the fundamental freedom of Americans to make their own decisions about their bodies," Harris said while speaking of "fixing" what Trump's "hand-selected Supreme Court judges" did in reversing Roe V. Wade.

She also spoke about signing the killed bipartisan border bill.

"We will quickly remove those who arrive here unlawfully, prosecute the cartels and give border patrol the help they so desperately need,” Harris said.

Despite this, Harris noted Americans must realize "we are a nation of immigrants," and promised pathways to citizenship for those here lawfully.

Harris continued to pile on attacks on her competition, depicting Trump as "an easy mark" for world leaders, and someone who would bring chaos to the White House.

I pledge to seek common ground and common sense solutions to make your life better. I am not looking to score political points, I am looking to make progress.."

In closing, Harris described the story of Americans being rescued from a "petty tyrant" 200 years ago and said that "those who came before us" did not do what they did in their fight for freedom to give it back.

An updated permit from the National Park Service stated about 40,000 people were expected to attend the event.

Campaign aides hope Harris' message will have more impact after Trump’s rally Sunday at Madison Square Garden in New York, where speakers spent much of their time leveling insults at the Democratic Party and Harris.

Meanwhile, Trump spoke to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago home on Tuesday morning to criticize Harris' border policy, while announcing plans for a "compensation fund" for migrant crime victims.

While the event is expected to be a highlight of the campaign's efforts to draw contrast from Trump, it is not the last in her campaign as both she and Trump look to leave a lasting impact in swing states before Election Day.

On Wednesday, Harris will go to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Raleigh, North Carolina. She will also attend a rally and concert at the University of Wisconsin that evening. She is also expected to visit Arizona and Nevada later in the week.

This week, Trump will rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Rocky Mount, North Carolina and in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He will also travel to Nevada and Milwaukee later in the week and has planned stops in blue-leaning New Mexico and Virginia.