In Final Week of Most Turbulent Campaign, Harris Condemns Trump as “Petty Tyrant”

In a charged rally on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., Vice President Kamala Harris presented her closing argument against Donald Trump, contrasting her vision of governance with his in the final stretch of the presidential race. Speaking to a crowd gathered on the historic site where Trump once rallied his supporters on January 6, 2021, Harris depicted Trump as a leader driven by revenge and division, labeling him “un-American” and a “petty tyrant.” She highlighted her commitment to democracy, promising to focus on the needs of everyday Americans. With the White House in the background, Harris assured her supporters that, unlike Trump, she does not view opposition as the enemy, but rather welcomes dissent as part of a thriving democracy.
The rally drew a massive crowd, underlining Harris’s message of unity, as attendees waved American flags in a show of nonpartisan patriotism. The event was designed to counter Trump’s influence by positioning Harris supporters as champions of democratic values. Her speech linked Trump’s actions on January 6 with his broader approach to leadership, painting him as a threat to democracy and a leader who promotes divisive authoritarianism. She pledged to address pressing issues like the economy, health care, and immigration, resonating with voters’ everyday concerns. Notably, Harris emphasized that Trump’s focus remains on a list of “enemies,” while her focus would be on a “to-do list” for the American people.
As the campaign nears its end, polls show a tight race, with Harris and Trump locked in a statistical tie across critical swing states. Harris’s team sees this as a final opportunity to reach undecided voters, and her rally was a deliberate reminder of the 2021 Capitol assault, appealing to Americans worried about the erosion of democratic norms. Harris’s advisers are optimistic but realistic about the race, with her closing argument urging voters to reject what they describe as Trump’s chaos and division. The event wrapped up with Harris honoring the resilience of Americans who have fought for civil rights and freedom, vowing to protect the country’s democratic values from “wannabe dictators.”