Harris Declares "We Will Win" in Final Campaign Rally... Oprah Backs Support [US Election 2024]

"The United States Is Ready for a New Beginning" Emphasized
Popular Stars Including Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin Gather

Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate and Vice President of the United States, expressed confidence in victory during her final campaign rally on the night of November 4th (local time), one day before the presidential election, saying, "The momentum is on our side" and "We must finish strong." Defining herself as a new generation leader, she also emphasized, "America is ready for a new beginning." Popular stars such as talk show queen Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga, and Ricky Martin came out in full support to back Vice President Harris.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

For her final rally that night, Vice President Harris chose the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a key battleground state. Standing on the stage set up in front of the museum steps, famous as the filming location of Sylvester Stallone's movie "Rocky," she reflected, "We started this campaign 107 days ago," adding, "From the beginning, our campaign was not a fight against something, but a fight for something." She further defined it as "a fight for a future with freedom, opportunity, and dignity for all Americans."

Vice President Harris, who made a grueling schedule visiting five locations in Pennsylvania alone, said, "The race is not over yet, and we must finish strong," urging people to vote by saying, "This race could be the closest in history. Every vote counts." Supporters at the scene cheered, shouting, "We will win," and "We will not go back (to the Trump administration)."

While reiterating her pledge to rebuild the middle class, Harris confirmed that she would restore abortion rights at the federal level following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. She also differentiated herself from her competitor, former President Donald Trump, by stating she would sit at the negotiating table with those who hold different opinions and listen to their voices. She emphasized, "Tonight, we will finish with optimism, energy, and joy, just as we started," adding, "Our people have the power to shape the future, and we know that together we can face every challenge we encounter."

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

The reason Vice President Harris chose Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the location for her final rally is due to the significant importance Pennsylvania holds in this year's presidential election. Starting from Scranton, President Joe Biden's hometown, Harris took the stage consecutively in Allentown, Reading, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia, effectively showing an all-in strategy for Pennsylvania. Known as the "battleground of battleground states," Pennsylvania holds the largest number of electors (19) among the seven battleground states that will decide the presidential election. It is a region that must be secured to reach the magic number of 270 electoral votes needed for victory.

Before the final rally, Harris raised her voice during rallies in Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading, saying, "The momentum is on our side," and "We know now is the time for a new generation of leadership for America." She also encouraged voting, saying, "Everyone in Pennsylvania must vote because you will decide this election."

Josh Shapiro, the Governor of Pennsylvania and a Democrat who was once considered as a running mate candidate for Vice President Harris, also appeared at the rally, appealing, "We want a U.S. president who cares for the 500,000 Puerto Ricans living in our area and strengthens our region." This was a call for support for the Democratic Party, sarcastically referencing a previous Trump rally where a speaker referred to Puerto Rico as a "trash island." At Reading, Harris also visited a Puerto Rican restaurant with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is of Puerto Rican descent.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

Many stars also appeared at the final rally to support Vice President Harris. Oprah Winfrey stood on stage with ten young people voting for the first time in this election. They spoke with Winfrey about why they support Vice President Harris. Winfrey warned of a democracy crisis, saying, "If we don't show up tomorrow (at the polls), there is a very high chance we will never have another chance to vote." She also emphasized, "What you can do for the country, for democracy, and for everyone you care about is to vote." Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, and others also attended the rally and performed.

Vice President Harris plans to watch the vote count on election night at her alma mater, a historically Black college. Howard University, located in Washington D.C., is a traditional historically Black college established before the Civil Rights Act banning racial discrimination. It is also the school from which Harris, who is Black and of Asian descent, graduated.