Kamala Harris barnstormed swing states the day before the election with a final stop in what could be the most vital to her campaign, the City of Brotherly Love.
The rally, announced late last week, was an epic affair with a wonderfully designed set on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum, known for the “Rocky stairs” and the backdrop to everything from the Live 8 concert to the city’s Fourth of July extravaganzas.
Supporters lined up as early as midnight the night before to get a spot near the stage to see artists such as Ricky Martin, The Roots and Lady Gaga. Other celebrities came to speak. Fat Joe told the crowd when he supports someone he means it and he supports Kamala Harris. He reminded the crowd of Donald Trump’s violent rhetoric, his failure to support Puerto Rico after the hurricane and the recent “garbagegate.”
Philadelphia and PA officials including Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, Governor Josh Shapiro, and Senator Bob Casey, all spoke in between performers.
Philly local Freeway brought some hip-hop flavor to the affair with some his big beats and sporadic flow.
Doug Emhoff came out and bragged about his wife, not only as a politician but as a spouse and stepmother to his children.
Lady Gaga came out and performed at the piano accompanied by a lone guitarist. She left the costumes and theatrics at home, careful not to upstage our possible next president.
Oprah Winfrey brought out several young first time voters to hear what issues drove them to the polls for the first time.
Afterwards Oprah herself introduced the current VP.
Harris took the stage to a thunderous applause, the crowd reaching out of sight down the Ben Franklin parkway towards Philadelphia’s city hall. Some numbers thrown around were as high as 100K.
Harris gave her well known stump speech, highlighting what she will do when she takes office, including listening to those across the aisle because as she said, “That’s what good leaders do.”
She went through her to-do list as the crowd interrupted her with chants of “We’re not going back!” “When we fight, we in!” and other enthusiastic slogans that have seemingly caught fire in just the last 107 days.
Harris beamed as she commended the hard work of her supporters, volunteers and staff.
It’s surprisingly easy to forget that this party switched candidates just in July and had very little time to pivot.
As she closed, she reminded everyone to get out and vote, for your vote is your voice, and your voice is your power. Let’s hope that message did not go unheard.
