Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris held a rally in Northeast Philadelphia on the afternoon of Oct. 27.
At the rally, which took place nine days from Election Day, speakers — including Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Joanna McClinton, both of whom are the first women to hold their roles — stressed the importance of voter turnout. Other speakers included Pennsylvania state Rep. Roni Green (D-Philadelphia), Harris-Walz campaign organizer Kerry Marshall, and the Vice President of Program Operations and Impact of Philadelphia Youth Basketball Randy Butler.
“It is on us to make sure that we send our vice president to the White House and change that title,” McClinton said. “We have our sleeves rolled up.”
Several speakers encouraged audience members to get involved in campaigning in the final days before the election.
“We don’t want to wake up the morning after Election Day feeling like we have not done enough,” Marshall said. "We have just nine days left to knock on doors, [and] call our friends and family.”
Parker spoke about the importance of Pennsylvania as a swing state in the presidential election — saying that all experts agree that “the road to the White House goes right through the Keystone State.” She further emphasized the importance of voter turnout, noting the narrow results of the 2016 and 2020 elections in the Commonwealth.
A protester holding a Palestinian flag interrupted the beginning of Harris’ speech and was quickly escorted out by event staff. Harris briefly touched on the conflict in response to the disruption, saying, “Let’s talk about Gaza … We need to end this war and bring the hostages home.”
Harris spent a significant portion of her speech addressing Generation Z and young voters directly, stressing the “powerful” nature of Gen Z votes. She also spoke broadly about the need to “fight” for America and democracy.
“When you know what you are fighting for, there is joy in that fight,” Harris said. “We are going to fight for the country we love.”
Following Harris’ speech, The Daily Pennsylvanian spoke with two audience members who work in Democratic Party politics — Kristin Broner and Tamia Booker — who said that they “loved” the rally. Broner said that they are “excited” to vote, citing Harris’ potential role as the first female President.
“We have a saying: She walks it like she talks it,” Booker said, explaining why she plans to vote for Harris. “She does what she says she's gonna do.”
“She fights for people, and that’s what’s important … You want someone who’s interested in helping people to be your leader,” Booker added.
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