This story at a glance…

1. Kamala Harris rallied over 75,000 supporters at the Ellipse.

2. She promised middle-class tax cuts and limits on price gouging.

3. Harris outlined plans for balanced immigration reform.

4. She urged voters to choose unity over division in leadership.

Harris Gives Closing Argument at the Ellipse

In a closing argument before Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed a large crowd near the White House, aiming to present her case as a leader who offers “a different path” for America. Speaking to an estimated 75,000 supporters at the Ellipse, with the crowd extending onto the National Mall, Harris focused on providing economic relief, addressing immigration reforms, and promoting unity. Harris's choice of location was significant, marking the same site where former President Trump rallied his supporters on January 6, 2021, before the Capitol riots.

A Call for Economic Relief and Unity
Harris addressed the nation’s economic struggles, pledging to help working-class families by focusing on lowering the costs of essentials like groceries and housing. Her economic platform includes middle-class tax cuts and restrictions on price gouging, with a plan to build millions of new homes to assist first-time buyers. Harris criticized Trump’s economic approach, claiming he would support “trillion-dollar tax cuts for billionaires and big corporations” funded by tariffs she said would function as a "national sales tax" costing families nearly $4,000 a year.

Immigration: A Path Forward
On immigration, Harris called for a balanced approach that recognizes the need for security while advocating for humane policies. She addressed her intent to provide pathways to citizenship for farmworkers and others who contribute to the American economy, noting, “Politicians have got to stop treating immigration as an issue to scare up votes in an election.” Harris promised to equip border patrol agents with the resources needed to manage border security while advocating for comprehensive immigration reform that she plans to pursue with bipartisan support in Congress.

A New Generation of Leadership
In her speech, Harris emphasized that she would lead as a “president for all Americans,” pledging to “always put country above party and self.” She described Trump as “unstable” and “obsessed with revenge,” drawing a sharp distinction between what she called his “unchecked power” and her own vision of collaborative governance. Harris described Trump as someone focused on “dividing Americans and promoting fear,” while she presented herself as a unifier committed to common-sense solutions.

Throughout her address, Harris aimed to reach beyond her base, speaking to the frustrations of undecided voters who feel “exhausted” by divisive politics. She pledged to make decisions guided by expert advice, engage with those impacted by her policies, and invite constructive opposition. “Unlike Donald Trump, I don’t believe people who disagree with me are the enemy,” Harris said. “He wants to put them in jail. I’ll give them a seat at my table.”

Reflection
Scripture urges us to practice discernment, as 1 John 4:1 reminds us, "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God." This guidance encourages us to examine actions and priorities, not just promises or appealing rhetoric. In this pivotal time, let us pray for wisdom and clarity, seeking leaders whose principles align with Christ’s call to truth, compassion, and integrity.