U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris strongly criticized Donald Trump on Tuesday at her inaugural campaign rally since taking over from President Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee. A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated a slight lead for Harris over her Republican opponent.In her 17-minute address, Harris focused on Trump’s weaknesses, highlighting her experience as a former prosecutor against his criminal record. She outlined her liberal agenda, promising to expand abortion rights, support labor unions, and tackle gun violence if elected. This was in stark contrast to Trump’s stance, setting the stage for a significant choice in the upcoming November 5 election.
“Donald Trump wants to drag our country backwards,” Harris told an enthusiastic crowd at West Allis Central High School in Wisconsin, a key battleground state. “Do we want a nation of freedom, compassion, and law, or one of chaos, fear, and hatred?”The rally, marked by energetic supporters and chants of “Ka-ma-la!”, was a stark difference from Biden’s smaller gatherings, reflecting the Democrats’ hope that Harris, 59, can rejuvenate the campaign that had struggled under Biden, 81. Harris strongly emphasized her stance on reproductive rights, a contentious issue for Republicans since the Supreme Court, bolstered by Trump-appointed justices, revoked nationwide abortion rights in 2022.The Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted after Biden endorsed Harris, showed her leading Trump 44% to 42% among registered voters.
A prior poll had shown Biden trailing Trump by two percentage points. Both results were within the poll’s margin of error, but Harris’ entry might have halted Trump’s momentum following the Republican National Convention.Trump and his supporters have linked Harris to Biden’s unpopular policies, particularly regarding the southern border’s migrant surge. In a conference call, Trump expressed confidence in defeating Harris, pointing out her failed 2020 presidential bid and challenging her to debates.Harris quickly garnered party support after Biden, under pressure due to concerns about his age and ability to win, stepped down. She secured the nomination with delegate pledges, and her campaign reported raising $100 million since Biden’s exit.
Leading Democrats, including Senate and House leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, endorsed her.Harris’ candidacy reshapes the election landscape, offering a fresh option as the first Black woman and Asian American vice president and potentially the first female president. Key states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania will be crucial for Democrats in defeating Trump.Alyssa Wahlberg, 19, head of the Whitewater College Democrats, noted Harris’ appeal to young voters, especially women eager for a female president. Wahlberg, attending the rally, expressed hope that her grandmother might witness this historic milestone.Biden, facing health issues and economic concerns, had been slipping in polls, particularly in swing states like Arizona and Nevada.
He announced a Wednesday night Oval Office address to explain his decision to withdraw. Biden returned to Washington after recovering from COVID-19, as confirmed by his doctor.Biden’s sudden departure followed an attempted assassination on Trump on July 13, which questioned Secret Service security measures. The agency’s director, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned. The Washington Post reported that Secret Service officials advised Trump to avoid outdoor rallies, like the one in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was injured. Neither the Secret Service nor Trump’s campaign commented.Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison stated that the party needed to quickly secure ballot spots in all 50 states and choose Harris’ vice-presidential candidate by August 7.
Potential candidates include Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.