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Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a significant "closing argument" speech at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. on October 29, 2024, just one week before Election Day[1][3]. The location holds particular significance as it's the same place where Donald Trump addressed his supporters before the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot[3].
Key Points of Harris' Speech
Healthcare and Economy Harris emphasized her commitment to protecting the Affordable Care Act and expanding healthcare access. She promised to deliver tax cuts to working people and the middle class, in contrast to Trump's policies favoring billionaires[1]. The Vice President also pledged to address rising costs by:
- Enacting a federal ban on grocery price gouging
- Capping insulin prices
- Limiting out-of-pocket prescription costs for all Americans[1]
Reproductive Rights Harris strongly advocated for reproductive freedom, stating that the government should not interfere with a woman's bodily autonomy. She committed to signing a bill restoring reproductive rights nationwide if passed by Congress[1].
Immigration and Border Security The Vice President criticized the politicization of immigration issues and promised to work across party lines to implement effective border security measures. She referenced her experience as Attorney General of a border state to highlight her understanding of the challenges[1].
Foreign Policy Harris emphasized the importance of maintaining strong global alliances and standing with America's allies. She contrasted her approach with Trump's, suggesting that world leaders view him as easily manipulated[1].
Bipartisanship and Unity Throughout her speech, Harris stressed her commitment to seeking common ground and listening to diverse perspectives, including those who disagree with her. She pledged to be a president for all Americans, putting country above party and self[1].
The speech, delivered to a crowd of 75,000 supporters, served as Harris' final pitch to voters, presenting herself as a pragmatic leader focused on tangible outcomes rather than party allegiance[2][3]. She aimed to encourage Americans to "turn the page" on the Trump administration and embrace a future of unity and progress[3].
Citations: [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6G1Oou2dVdk [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5t7EmrrGs4 [3] https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/live-blog/election-2024-live-updates-harris-trump-rcna177528 [4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uws_qcBnidk [5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nObbahrjlC4 [6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaE6FhbWVxM [7] https://www.nbcnews.com/video/watch-kamala-harris-full-closing-argument-on-2024-election-at-d-c-ellipse-223018565733 [8] https://abc7chicago.com/live-updates/2024-presidential-election-updates-donald-trump-kamala-harris-rally/15479682/entry/15486370 [9] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kamala-harris-speech-ellipse-donald-trump-2024-election/
Mehdi Hasan criticized the Los Angeles Times' decision not to endorse a presidential candidate, calling it the "ultimate expression of both sides-ism" in media[2]. He argued that journalists should prioritize supporting democracy and not shy away from taking a stand, especially when faced with figures like Donald Trump, whom some former officials have labeled as fascist[2]. This decision by the LA Times, influenced by its owner Patrick Soon-Shiong, reflects a broader trend where major newspapers, including the Washington Post, have refrained from endorsements, sparking significant debate and criticism[1][3].
Citations: [1] https://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/washington-post-los-angeles-times-not-endorse-candidate/ [2] https://www.msnbc.com/ali-velshi/watch/-ultimate-expression-of-both-sides-ism-mehdi-hasan-takes-down-la-times-non-endorsement-222796357882 [3] https://www.msnbc.com/ali-velshi/watch/-betrayal-marty-baron-former-washington-post-editor-slams-paper-s-non-endorsement-222795333869 [4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZHVnki1li0 [5] https://twitter.com/mehdirhasan?lang=de [6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2qxjvLf28k [7] https://twitter.com/AliVelshi/status/1850594459349651723 [8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eBnDOJYd8g