On Tuesday, US Vice President Kamala Harris wowed a crowded Atlanta arena, causing thousands of cheery supporters, putting the emphasis on a fight for winning for the upcoming 98 days. Donald Trump was mocked for his inability to participate in their future debate, according to Harris, who later said,” The speed in this race is shifting. And Donald Trump seems to be feeling it.
Simply over a week ago, Georgia seemed to be slipping from the Democrats ‘ grasp, with President Joe Biden’s plan focusing on securing the Western “blue wall” state, probably at the cost of the” Sun Belt” arenas. But, Harris’s election as the likely nominee and Biden’s abrupt withdrawal from the race have renewed Democratic hopes of expanding the political map.
Harris echoed a loud march of supporters in a position where Biden and his running mate JD Vance had a slim margin of victory in 2020. They cheered her on as she criticized Trump and his running mate’s policies as being obsolete and dangerous. In response to Trump’s opposition to a nonpartisan immigration costs, Harris declared,” I will bring up the border protection act that Donald Trump killed, I will sign it, and I will show Donald Trump what true leadership looks like.”
Trump, who had originally agreed to issue Harris, is then wavering, saying he “probably” did issue but you “also make a case for not doing it”. Harris seized on his indecision, challenging him directly,” Meet me on the debate stage… because as the saying goes, if you’ve got something to say, say it to my face”. Trump has called for the debate, scheduled for September 10 on ABC News, to be moved to a different network, dismissing ABC as “fake news”.
Fans flocked to Georgia State University’s 8, 000-person arena to watch a performance by Megan Thee Stallion while waving signs, dancing to campaign music, and cheering on the crowd. This vibrant scene contrasted sharply with the uncertainty surrounding the Democratic Party just ten days prior, as Biden’s age and potential doubts ultimately led to his campaign’s abolition.
” This is like Barack Obama 2008 on steroids for me”, said Mildred Hobson Doss, a 59-year-old from suburban Lilburn. ” I would have voted again for President Biden,” he said. But we are ready”.
Harris ‘ campaign asserts that her appeal to young people, working-age women, and non-white voters has altered the dynamics in Georgia and similar states like North Carolina, Nevada, and Arizona. A strategy memo from Harris campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon, formerly Biden’s campaign chair, emphasized the necessity of winning Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania but also highlighted the new opportunities Harris brings to attract Black, Latino, and young voters in states like Georgia.
” The energy is infectious”, said Georgia Democratic Chairwoman Nikema Williams. ” My phone has been exploding,” I said. People want to be part of this movement”.
Harris began her day by highlighting her prosecutorial background, contrasting it with Trump’s legal troubles, while vigorously defending the Biden administration’s record. She vowed to pass legislation to restore the reproductive rights that were lost in Roe v. Wade’s overthrow. ” America has previously tried these unsuccessful policies. And we are not going back”, she declared, to chants of” we’re not going back” from the crowd.
Republicans contend that Harris ‘ traditionally conservative state will suffer as a result of concerns about high consumer prices and immigration issues. They acknowledge, however, that the race now more closely resembles the tightly contested 2020.
” Trump was going to win Georgia. It was over”, said Republican consultant Brian Robinson. ” There is a chance for a reset for the Democrats.”
In response, Trump announced a rally in the same Georgia State arena for Saturday, underscoring the fierce competition ahead. Robinson admitted that while Harris has her weaknesses, including progressive stances from her 2020 primary campaign, she has been “in command” so far, making the race competitive in Georgia.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, said Harris must explain her support for laws that allegedly caused harm to Georgian families. She said she was” just as weak, failed, and incompetent as Joe Biden.” Nonetheless, Harris ‘ campaign and Georgia Democrats have mobilized significantly, with 24 offices across the state, including two new ones in metro Atlanta.
Harris, addressing supporters post-speech, stressed the urgency of the campaign, noting that early voting begins in just 38 days. These choices are anticipated soon, even though she has yet to choose a running mate or formally nominate a nominee.
” This is a sprint”, she said. And we are aware of what we must do to get to the finish line.
Harris ‘ campaign strategy is to appeal to moderates who are unsatisfied with Trump in Atlanta’s expanding suburbs and suburbs. For many, her candidacy represents a fresh start.
” I’ve voted Republican many times in my life”, said Michael Sleister, a white suburbanite from Forsyth County. ” Now I see the Republican Party as representing a direct threat to my grandchildren”, he said, expressing disdain for Trump.
Allen Smith, a 41-year-old Atlanta native, has become a first-time campaign volunteer for Harris. ” I decided right then I would do whatever I could to help her get elected”, he said, recounting his reaction to Biden’s endorsement of Harris.
