On Monday night, Vice President Kamala Harris made her final appeal to Pennsylvania voters at a rally on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum.

The Democratic nominee — rallying hundreds of Penn students and thousands of supporters less than 12 hours before polls open on the East Coast — traveled to five Pennsylvania cities over the course of the day, concluding her tour in Philadelphia. Programming for the eight-hour event included performances from musical artists, speeches from local- and national-level politicians, and remarks from public figures. According to campaign officials, over 30,000 people were in attendance at the event. 

The Keystone State’s 19 electoral votes have been lauded as a determining factor of the highly contentious presidential election. In the most recent polling data, former President and 1968 Wharton graduate Donald Trump remains statistically tied in three battleground states — including Pennsylvania — with Harris. 

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As Harris blitzed Pennsylvania, Trump rallied in Pittsburgh before heading to North Carolina to close out his campaign. 

Philadelphia Mayor and 2016 Fels Institute of Government graduate Cherelle Parker delivered the evening’s first set of remarks at around 7:30 p.m., emphasizing the pivotal role Philadelphia and Pennsylvania voters would play in the election.

"The eyes of the world are on our great Commonwealth and on our great city of Philadelphia,” Parker said. “This is the birthplace of democracy, the hub of intellectualism and innovation, and some of the best medical and educational institutions in the world.”

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Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) — who faces a toss-up election on Tuesday against Republican candidate Dave McCormick — emphasized the stakes of both his race and the presidential election in a short speech at the rally. He highlighted several hot-button policy issues, including Medicare, childcare taxes, and abortion access. 

Pennsylvania Gov. and University Board of Trustees ex-officio member Josh Shapiro received a warm welcome from the crowd. In his speech, Shapiro quoted Penn founder Benjamin Franklin as he emphasized the importance of working to improve “our union.”

“I want you to use that pen to vote for Kamala Harris, and I want you to use that pen to help write this next chapter in our American story — a chapter where we declare that no matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you pray to, you'll have real opportunity here in America,” Shapiro said to applause. 

The event also featured a number of simulcast livestreams. Harris campaign surrogate rallies happening concurrently across the country in several swing states were broadcast on large LED displays visible throughout the crowd. The audience in Philadelphia heard remarks from a number of high-profile politicians in locations across the country, including vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

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Many Penn students were in attendance at the rally, and a number of current Penn students were working for the Harris-Walz campaign in an official capacity.

College sophomore and event attendee Hannah Kohn described the circumstances of the rally — a presidential candidate rallying in “[her] city” the night ahead of an election — as “a big moment in history.” 

College sophomore Matthew Barotz also highlighted the excitement of Harris campaigning in Philadelphia, and said that he “truly believed that [Harris is] what's best for this country.”

1989 Wharton graduate Curtis Myers said that he was attending the rally to “make history, not repeat it.”

“I think it’s restoring dignity to the office,” Myers said. “[Harris] understands how to govern. Governing is hard work, democracy isn’t easy. I think she’s been a public servant and she’s looking out for the interest of others.”

Lady Gaga, a headliner for the event, performed “God Bless America” around 11:20 p.m. She concluded her performance by commenting on the historical disenfranchisement of American women.

“I am holding in my heart all the tough, tenacious women who made me who I am. I cast my vote for someone who will be a president for all — for all Americans. And now, Pennsylvania, it's your turn,” Gaga said.

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff took the stage after Gaga and said that Harris brings “joy and toughness” to everything she does. 

“As you consider your vote, maybe it's that simple. My wife cares about what you're going through,” Emhoff said. “She understands what's in your way, and she has concrete plans to help us keep moving forward. Now, isn't that what we want for the next four years?”

Oprah Winfrey was joined on stage by 10 first-time voters, including five Penn students. Before she delivered her remarks, Winfrey asked the young people about their plans to vote and key issues ahead of Election Day. 

“We have the power to choose a leader who will see us. She sees us, and she will do her mighty best to serve all of us. I believe we can do that, and I know she can do that,” Winfrey said.

Harris stepped on stage at 11:33 p.m. and was met with cheers and applause from the crowd, who chanted “Kamala.”  During her remarks, Harris touched on a number of policy issues, including healthcare, reproductive freedom, gun violence, the economy, gun control, and the climate crisis. Harris reiterated her belief that healthcare is a right rather than a privilege and pledged to reinstate Roe v. Wade upon entering office. 

Harris consistently highlighted her dedication to serving the public and pledged to work daily on her “to-do list” to benefit the American people.  She repeatedly pledged to put “country over party” and emphasized that she “likes hard work.” Repeating a common campaign line, Harris received enthusiastic applause from the crowd when she promised the return of “joy.”

“Ours has not been a fight against something, it has been a fight for something. With freedom, with opportunity, and with dignity for all Americans. Our campaign has brought together people from all corners of this nation and from all walks of life, united by our love for our country,” Harris said. 

Following Harris’ remarks — and as attendees began to leave — Gaga returned to the stage to perform “Edge of Glory.”

After the rally, College senior Yena Suh noted that while initially she was “really hesitant” to attend because of the two hour wait time in line, the event was “so empowering.”

“I was thinking today, I hope that there's a day when a girl looks at the president and doesn't feel like it's a surprise or that it's a win for us because it's just normal to have a female as president,” Suh said. 

Wharton senior Cameron Ito echoed similar sentiments, saying that he left feeling “energized” and “motivated.” Despite feeling “a little nervous” going into Election Day, Ito said that a highlight of the rally was the “camaraderie” of “seeing everyone be so optimistic.”

“Remind everyone that your vote is your voice and your voice is your power,” Harris concluded.