With the U.S. presidential election coming down to the wire, Vice President Kamala Harris took her message directly to voters in the critical battleground state of Pennsylvania on Sunday. Speaking to an energetic crowd of hundreds in North Philadelphia, Harris promised supporters that she would emerge victorious in the neck-and-neck race against former President Donald Trump.
“Nine days left in one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime, and we know this is going to be a tight race until the very end,” Harris told the audience. “And make no mistake: we will win.” Her confident declaration was met with raucous cheers from the assembled supporters.
A Contrast of Visions
Throughout her remarks, Harris sought to frame the election as a stark choice between two radically different paths forward for America. She accused Trump of running a campaign fueled by vengeance and self-interest, while asserting that she and her backers are working to build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
“We have an opportunity before us to turn the page on the fear and the divisiveness that have characterized our politics for a decade because of Donald Trump. We have the ability to turn the page on that same old tired playbook because we are exhausted with it, and we are ready to chart a new way forward.”
Vice President Kamala Harris
Harris’ appearance in Philadelphia underscored the city’s pivotal role in her electoral strategy. Driving up Democratic turnout in the heavily blue city is seen as essential to carrying Pennsylvania, a state that could prove decisive in determining the winner of the White House.
Mayor Parker Fires Up the Crowd
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, the first Black woman to hold the office, was among several prominent Democrats who spoke before Harris took the stage. Parker implored attendees to recall the pain of Trump’s 2016 victory and to do everything in their power to prevent a repeat outcome.
She noted the razor-thin margins in Pennsylvania in recent presidential contests – Trump carried it by just 0.7 points in 2016, while Biden won it by 1.2 points four years later – and credited heightened turnout in Philadelphia and neighboring counties with making the difference.
“Guess what the difference was between that 2016 vote and that 2020 vote? More people came out to vote in the city of Philadelphia and our neighboring counties.”
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker
Harris Confronts Protesters, Vows Action on Gaza
The rally hit a brief snag early on when pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the beginning of Harris’ speech, eliciting boos from the crowd before being escorted out. Rather than sidestepping the issue, Harris addressed it head-on, pledging to seize the opportunity to end the war in Gaza and bring the hostages home.
“We can and we must seize this opportunity to end this war and bring the hostages home, and I will do everything in my power to meet that end.”
Vice President Kamala Harris
Voters Feel the Weight of the Moment
For many in attendance, the magnitude of the moment was palpable. Brenda Exon, a 60-year-old from Wallingford known as the “Philly Pride Lady,” donned an apron depicting Philadelphia’s history to convey the city’s central role in shaping America’s story.
“Our Philly story is our nation’s story, and that’s what we’re fighting for really. We don’t want Donald Trump to take this away. We’re coming up on our 250th [anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence], and who should be president celebrating that in 2026? Kamala Harris.”
Brenda Exon, Philadelphia voter
Supporters Exude Confidence Despite Tight Polls
While national surveys show a dead heat between Harris and Trump, the vice president’s backers in Philadelphia projected an air of assurance that she would prevail. Jacob Roberts, a 26-year-old from West Chester who has already voted for Harris, said enthusiasm for Trump seemed diminished compared to 2016.
“I’m seeing a lot of Kamala yard signs around. I actually just drove out to western Pennsylvania. I didn’t see a lot of Trump signs on barns or anything, so I think we’re looking good.”
Jacob Roberts, Harris voter from West Chester
As the final week of the campaign begins, Harris and her team are betting that rallies like the one in Philadelphia will provide the spark needed to push her over the top on election day. With the future of the nation hanging in the balance, her supporters say they are prepared to do whatever it takes.
Roberts, who skipped part of the Eagles game to attend the event, put it simply: “This is our country we’re talking about.” For Harris and the voters working to make her president, no sacrifice is too great with the stakes so high.
