On Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris is set to deliver a pivotal “closing argument” speech in Washington, D.C., strategically at the Ellipse—a location historically significant as the site where former President Donald Trump spoke before the January 6 riot. This carefully chosen venue will allow Harris to draw a stark contrast between her approach to leadership and the tumultuous legacy of Trump’s presidency. A senior campaign official has highlighted that Harris aims to advocate for a progressive path forward, suggesting that it is time to move beyond the divisiveness epitomized by Trump’s time in office. The speech is positioned exactly one week before Election Day, emphasizing the urgency and relevance of her message to voters at this critical juncture.
The Ellipse was the site of Trump’s incendiary speech on January 6, 2021, where he falsely claimed electoral fraud and urged his supporters to take action against Congress to inhibit the certification of the election results. The imagery from that day serves as a potent backdrop for Harris’s address, where she plans to address the fallout from the Capitol riot and challenge the narratives that have persisted since. Harris will likely invoke the themes of justice, democracy, and unity, underscoring the importance of choosing leaders who prioritize the collective well-being over sowing discord and division.
The event is particularly significant as Harris’s campaign had initially sought a permit for a larger gathering on the National Mall before deciding on the more intimate setting of the Ellipse. This strategic shift reflects not only the logistical considerations but also the desire to hone in on the symbolic weight of the location—where Trump riled up supporters just before urging them to march to the Capitol. The rally permit anticipates a turnout of approximately 7,750 attendees, indicating strong local engagement and enthusiasm for Harris’s message during this critical week leading into the election.
Within her speech, Harris is expected to articulate a vision for the future that contrasts sharply with the tumultuous and divisive environment fostered during Trump’s administration. The Harris campaign aims to project an image of optimism and progress, focusing on themes such as justice, equality, and the need for collective action. By delineating her approach from Trump’s, Harris hopes to resonate with voters who are seeking stability and inclusivity in governance, as opposed to the chaos and division that characterized the Trump presidency.
Both Harris and Trump have been actively campaigning across battleground states in the lead-up to the election, making local appearances to consolidate support among voters. However, this upcoming speech at the Ellipse stands out as one of Harris’s most significant engagements within the capital, indicating her campaign’s strategy to capitalize on the emotional and political weight of the location. The timing, just days before the election, suggests that the Harris campaign is keenly aware of the need to capture the public’s attention and sway undecided voters.
In sum, Harris’s speech at the Ellipse is not merely a campaign event but a deliberate attempt to redefine the political narrative leading into the election. By confronting the past associated with Trump and his presidency, she seeks to inspire voters to envision a different future—one that is hopeful, inclusive, and focused on uniting the country. The venue’s historical significance, coupled with her message, encapsulates a moment of reflection on the nation’s democratic ideals and the electoral choices before Americans in this critical moment in history.
