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Jimmy Williams
Vice President Kamala Harris energized a packed arena in Atlanta on Tuesday, telling the cheering crowd that the next 98 days would be a tough fight, but they’d secure victory in November. She took jabs at Donald Trump for being unsure about debating her.
“The momentum in this race is shifting,” Harris declared. “And there are signs Donald Trump is feeling it.”
Just over a week ago, Democrats worried Georgia was slipping away. President Joe Biden’s campaign had planned to focus more on Midwestern states. But with Biden now out of the race and Harris as the likely nominee, Democrats have renewed hopes for a wider electoral map.
In Georgia, where Biden won narrowly in 2020, Harris recreated a signature Trump event: a big, loud rally. Supporters cheered her name as she mocked Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, calling their policies “backward, outdated, and dangerous.”
Harris criticized Trump’s efforts to block a bipartisan immigration bill that would have strengthened border security. She promised, “I will bring back the border security bill that Donald Trump killed and I will sign it and show Donald Trump what real leadership looks like.”
Trump initially agreed to debate Harris but recently expressed doubts, saying he “probably” would debate her but could also argue against it.
Harris challenged Trump directly, saying, “So he won’t debate me, but he and his running mate have a lot to say about me. 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 to move from ABC News, labeling it “fake news.”
The 8,000-capacity arena at Georgia State University was filled with voters waving signs, dancing to Harris campaign music, and enjoying a performance by Megan Thee Stallion. Just 10 days ago, the party was uncertain if Biden would continue his campaign after concerns about his age and abilities led to his withdrawal.
Harris’ campaign believes her appeal to young people, working-age women, and non-white voters could change the dynamics in Georgia and similar states, like North Carolina, Nevada, and Arizona. In a strategy memo, Harris campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon stressed the importance of winning Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania while also opening up additional persuadable voters in places like Georgia.
“The energy is infectious,” said Georgia Democratic Chairwoman Nikema Williams, a congresswoman from Atlanta. “My phone has been blowing up. People want to be part of this movement.”
Harris highlighted her past as a prosecutor to contrast Trump’s legal issues. She defended the Biden administration’s record and vowed to pass voting rights legislation and restore reproductive rights.
“America has tried these failed policies before. And we are not going back,” she said, shaking her head as the crowd chanted, “We’re not going back.”
Republicans in Georgia argue that Biden’s unpopularity and concerns over prices and immigration will affect Harris. However, they acknowledge the race looks more competitive now.
“Trump was going to win Georgia. It was over,” said Republican consultant Brian Robinson. “The Democrats have a chance here for a reset.”
Trump, not taking chances, announced a rally in the same arena on Saturday.
Harris still faces challenges, including progressive positions from her 2020 campaign and past rhetorical missteps. But Robinson admitted, “If she continues to be in command, we have a new ballgame and she will be competitive in Georgia.”
Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt dismissed Harris as “just as weak, failed, and incompetent as Joe Biden,” saying she needs to explain her support for Biden policies that “hurt working families in Georgia.”
Harris thanked supporters after her speech, noting early voting starts in 38 days. She has yet to formally secure the nomination or pick a running mate but assured supporters, “This is a sprint. And we know what we need to do to cross the finish line.”
