'Trump's vision of fear and division not who we are': What Kamala Harris said in her 'closing argument' before election

Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a speech one week before Election Day , aiming to draw a stark contrast between her vision for America and that of former President Donald Trump . Speaking from the Ellipse near the White House — the same area where Trump addressed supporters ahead of the January 6 Capitol attack — Harris warned voters about the dangers of returning to a Trump presidency, casting him as a divisive figure obsessed with power. “America, I am here tonight to say: That’s not who we are.”

Reflecting on Trump’s past actions, particularly his conduct on January 6, Harris reminded voters of his role in the Capitol insurrection and his continued divisive rhetoric. “Look, 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,” she said.

Vice President Harris: In less than 90 days, either Donald Trump or I will be in the Oval Office. I won’t walk into that office with an enemies list. I’ll bring a to-do list of priorities to get done for the American people pic.twitter.com/WGfhC1JBqN

— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) October 30, 2024

'A new generation of leadership'

Harris sought to frame herself as a leader for a “new generation,” committed to turning the page on political drama, conflict, and division. “It doesn’t have to be this way,” she told the audience, advocating for a shift away from partisanship and towards unity. “We have to stop pointing fingers and start locking arms,” she added, calling for a renewed sense of national purpose that transcends political divisions.

Harris said that she will prioritise practical issues that affect Americans’ daily lives, contrasting this with Trump’s focus on personal grievances. “Unlike Donald Trump, I don’t believe people who disagree with me are the enemy,” she said. “He wants to put them in jail. I’ll give them a seat at my table. And I pledge to be a president for all Americans, to always put country above party and above self.”

Her speech included specific promises for her potential administration, addressing issues like economic fairness, security, and immigration. “When I am president, we will quickly remove those who arrive here unlawfully, prosecute the cartels, and give border patrol the support they need,” she promised, aiming to offer a balanced approach to immigration reform.

Reflecting on Trump’s vision for America, Harris described it as one rooted in discord and hostility. “Donald Trump is unstable, obsessed with revenge, consumed with grievance, and out for unchecked power,” she said.