Harris vows to end ‘drama and conflict’, but Biden’s ‘garbage’ comment sparks row

Anthony Zurcher
correspondent from North America

image source, Reuters

The biggest message of Kamala Harris’ speech may have been the venue – the same place where Donald Trump held his rally on January 6, 2021 shortly before his supporters attacked the US Capitol.

Tuesday night’s images, contrasted with that cold winter’s day nearly four years ago, provided context for the entire speech and the kind of shape Harris could bring back to her vision of what she called a different kind of future.

It was essentially a shortened version of her speech at the Democratic National Convention in late August — peppered with biographical details, policy proposals and repeated attacks on her opponent.

At the time, Democrats at their August convention were enthusiastic about their new nominee after weeks of frustration and infighting that led to Biden’s decision to withdraw from re-election.

Harris’ campaign has had its ups and downs since then, and is now focused on what should be a photo finish at the polls next week.

In her speech, she acknowledged that many undecided American voters are “still getting to know” her after her shortened presidential campaign — which should cause some concern for Democrats as Election Day approaches.

Standard speeches, however, are Harris’ forte. And Tuesday night’s speech likely hit on key points her campaign wants to emphasize in these final days.