US presidential candidate Kamala Harris has intensified her campaign efforts, delivering a powerful address at her largest rally to date in Atlanta, Georgia, on Tuesday. The Vice President asserted that the momentum is shifting in the presidential race and challenged Donald Trump to engage in a direct debate with her.
Harris’s visit comes as revitalized Democrats see Georgia as a key state, following President Joe Biden’s unexpected exit from the 2024 election. With an aim to broaden the Democratic battleground map, Harris focused on appealing to young Black voters during her gripping 20-minute speech, addressed to around 10,000 enthusiastic supporters. “We’re not going back to the failed policies of Trump,” she declared.
Asserting that “the baton is in our hands,” Harris emphasized the challenges ahead, positioning her campaign as a fight for the future. The response from the crowd was overwhelming, reflecting the renewed energy among party loyalists.
Since Biden’s withdrawal on July 21, Harris’s presidential campaign has gained significant traction, rallying substantial support with fundraising hitting an impressive $200 million. “The momentum in this race is shifting, and there are signs that Donald Trump is feeling it,” she commented.
In a recent statement, Trump had declined to participate in traditional debates against Harris, resorting to insults instead. In response, Harris called for a face-to-face debate, urging, “If you’ve got something to say, say it to my face.”
Highlighting her background as a former prosecutor, Harris stated her readiness to go head-to-head with Trump based on their records.
With the election just over three months away, speculation surrounds her selection for a vice presidential running mate. Although she stated no choice has been made yet, plans for upcoming campaign stops in key states such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Georgia have been announced.
Harris also unveiled her first television ad since Biden’s exit, while the Trump campaign released a counter-ad targeting her stance on immigration. Harris defended her record, accusing Trump of undermining critical border security legislation for his own political benefit.
In addition to discussing immigration, Harris focused on vital economic issues, pledging to prioritize affordable healthcare and address the rising cost of living. She criticized Trump regarding “extreme abortion bans” enacted in several states since Supreme Court changes.
Regarding Georgia’s significance in the election, Harris stated, “the path to the White House runs right through this state,” highlighting its competitive nature. The Trump campaign, paralleling Harris’s efforts, announced a rally in Atlanta, framing their narrative around opposing Harris’s policies.
With hopes of flipping critical states, Democrats are emphasizing their strategies in traditionally Republican strongholds such as Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada, building on their narrow wins in the 2020 election.
Adding a touch of entertainment, hip-hop artist Megan Thee Stallion performed at the rally, drawing younger voters ahead of Harris’s speech, further energizing the crowd.
