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Jimmy Williams
Vice President Kamala Harris energized crowds in North Carolina on Thursday, describing the 2024 presidential election as a critical “fight for our future” during campaign stops in Charlotte and Greensboro. The rallies marked her first appearances since the high-stakes debate with former President Donald Trump, part of her campaign’s post-debate “New Way Forward Tour.”
Speaking to thousands of enthusiastic supporters at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, Harris presented herself as a forward-thinking leader and embraced her role as the “underdog” in the race. “Understand that we are the underdog,” Harris said, despite having built a narrow lead both nationwide and in key swing states since taking over the Democratic ticket. Later, in Greensboro, she echoed similar themes.
The tour, which also features her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and their spouses, is set to continue across other battleground states throughout the weekend. Harris emphasized the importance of voter turnout in a “very tight race,” focusing on familiar themes from her debate performance, such as economic policies, abortion rights, and the importance of bipartisan cooperation.
Harris took a direct shot at Trump’s remarks during the debate, specifically his vague statement about having “concepts of a plan” to replace the Affordable Care Act. The comment has since gone viral, becoming a meme among her supporters. “We can’t afford more empty promises,” she stated, contrasting her proposals with Trump’s rhetoric.
On the economic front, Harris reiterated key policy positions, including a $50,000 tax credit for small business start-ups and an expansion of the child tax credit for qualifying families. She also pledged to address the national housing shortage by cutting red tape and partnering with the private sector to build three million new homes in her first term. “I will always put the middle class and working families first — I know where I came from,” she told the crowd, sharing personal stories of her own family’s financial struggles.
In both speeches, Harris highlighted a recent report from Goldman Sachs, which suggested that the U.S. economy would see greater growth under her leadership compared to Trump’s, whose proposed policies on tariffs and immigration could hinder economic progress.
Peggy Thomas, a rally attendee, praised Harris’s ability to outline her vision clearly. “I think she did a good job of giving us a basic outline,” Thomas said. “I’d rather a candidate be less specific and let their views evolve than make false promises.”
Harris reaffirmed her commitment to passing crucial legislation, including the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, an assault weapons ban, and the restoration of abortion rights protections that were stripped after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. She also signaled her readiness for another debate with Trump, despite his claim on social media that he won’t participate in future debates.
According to a CNN poll, 63% of viewers felt Harris won the debate against Trump, a wider margin of victory than typical post-debate results. Still, the race remains tight, with Trump leading by a mere one-tenth of a percent in North Carolina. Nationally, Harris holds a 1.5% lead, according to RealClearPolitics averages.
As the election approaches, North Carolina has emerged as one of the most critical battlegrounds. Polling expert Nate Silver now considers it the second-most likely state to tip the balance in the 2024 presidential race. Democrats haven’t won North Carolina since 2008, but Trump’s narrow margin in 2020 offers Harris a potential pathway to victory.
