US Vice President Kamala Harris electrified a packed arena in Atlanta on Tuesday, rallying thousands of enthusiastic supporters and emphasizing that the next 98 days would be a fight worth winning. As she taunted Donald Trump for his indecision about participating in their upcoming debate, Harris declared, “The momentum in this race is shifting. And there are signs Donald Trump is feeling it.”
Just over a week ago, Georgia seemed to be slipping from the Democrats’ grasp, with President Joe Biden’s campaign focusing on securing the Midwestern “blue wall” states, potentially at the expense of the “Sun Belt” battlegrounds.However, Biden’s abrupt exit from the race and Harris emerging as the likely nominee has rejuvenated Democratic hopes of broadening the electoral map.
In a state that handed Biden his narrowest victory margin in 2020, Harris mirrored a classic Trump-style event: a raucous rally filled with supporters, who cheered her on as she criticized Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, labeling their policies as outdated and dangerous. “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,” Harris proclaimed, referencing Trump’s opposition to a bipartisan immigration bill.
Trump, who had initially agreed to debate Harris, is now wavering, saying he “probably” will debate but can “also make a case for not doing it.” Harris seized on his indecision, challenging him directly, “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, scheduled for September 10 on ABC News, to be moved to a different network, dismissing ABC as “fake news.”
The 8,000-capacity arena at Georgia State University was filled to the rafters with supporters waving signs, dancing to campaign music, and enjoying a performance by Megan Thee Stallion. This vibrant scene contrasted sharply with the uncertainty that surrounded the Democratic party just 10 days ago, as doubts about Biden’s age and capabilities ultimately led to the end of his campaign.
“This is like Barack Obama 2008 on steroids for me,” said Mildred Hobson Doss, a 59-year-old from suburban Lilburn. “I would have voted for President Biden again. But we are ready.”
Harris’ campaign asserts that her appeal to young people, working-age women, and non-white voters has altered the dynamics in Georgia and similar states like North Carolina, Nevada, and Arizona. A strategy memo from Harris campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon, formerly Biden’s campaign chair, emphasized the necessity of winning Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania but also highlighted the new opportunities Harris brings to attract Black, Latino, and young voters in states like Georgia.
“The energy is infectious,” said Georgia Democratic Chairwoman Nikema Williams. “My phone has been blowing up. People want to be part of this movement.”
Harris began her day by highlighting her prosecutorial background, contrasting it with Trump’s legal troubles, while vigorously defending the Biden administration’s record. She pledged to pass voting rights legislation and restore reproductive rights lost after the fall of Roe v. Wade. “America has tried these failed policies before. And we are not going back,” she declared, to chants of “we’re not going back” from the crowd.
Republicans argue that concerns over high consumer prices and immigration issues will impact Harris negatively in the traditionally conservative state. However, they acknowledge that the race now resembles the tightly contested 2020 more than it did a few weeks ago.
“Trump was going to win Georgia. It was over,” said Republican consultant Brian Robinson. “The Democrats have a chance here for a reset.”
In response, Trump announced a rally in the same Georgia State arena for Saturday, underscoring the fierce competition ahead. Robinson admitted that while Harris has her weaknesses, including progressive stances from her 2020 primary campaign, she has been “in command” so far, making the race competitive in Georgia.
Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt dismissed Harris as “just as weak, failed and incompetent as Joe Biden,” arguing she must explain her support for policies that allegedly harmed Georgia families. Nonetheless, Harris’ campaign and Georgia Democrats have mobilized significantly, with 24 offices across the state, including two new ones in metro Atlanta.
Harris, addressing supporters post-speech, stressed the urgency of the campaign, noting that early voting begins in just 38 days. While she has yet to formally clinch the nomination or choose a running mate, these decisions are expected imminently.
“This is a sprint,” she said. “And we know what we need to do to cross the finish line.”
Harris’ campaign strategy involves winning over voters in Atlanta’s growing suburbs and exurbs, targeting moderates disenchanted with Trump. For many, her candidacy represents a fresh start.
“I’ve voted Republican many times in my life,” said Michael Sleister, a white suburbanite from Forsyth County. “Now I see the Republican Party as representing a direct threat to my grandchildren,” he said, expressing disdain for Trump.
Allen Smith, a 41-year-old Atlanta native, has become a first-time campaign volunteer for Harris. “I decided right then I would do whatever I could to help her get elected,” he said, recounting his reaction to Biden’s endorsement of Harris.
Just over a week ago, Georgia seemed to be slipping from the Democrats’ grasp, with President Joe Biden’s campaign focusing on securing the Midwestern “blue wall” states, potentially at the expense of the “Sun Belt” battlegrounds.However, Biden’s abrupt exit from the race and Harris emerging as the likely nominee has rejuvenated Democratic hopes of broadening the electoral map.
In a state that handed Biden his narrowest victory margin in 2020, Harris mirrored a classic Trump-style event: a raucous rally filled with supporters, who cheered her on as she criticized Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, labeling their policies as outdated and dangerous. “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,” Harris proclaimed, referencing Trump’s opposition to a bipartisan immigration bill.
Trump, who had initially agreed to debate Harris, is now wavering, saying he “probably” will debate but can “also make a case for not doing it.” Harris seized on his indecision, challenging him directly, “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, scheduled for September 10 on ABC News, to be moved to a different network, dismissing ABC as “fake news.”
The 8,000-capacity arena at Georgia State University was filled to the rafters with supporters waving signs, dancing to campaign music, and enjoying a performance by Megan Thee Stallion. This vibrant scene contrasted sharply with the uncertainty that surrounded the Democratic party just 10 days ago, as doubts about Biden’s age and capabilities ultimately led to the end of his campaign.
“This is like Barack Obama 2008 on steroids for me,” said Mildred Hobson Doss, a 59-year-old from suburban Lilburn. “I would have voted for President Biden again. But we are ready.”
Harris’ campaign asserts that her appeal to young people, working-age women, and non-white voters has altered the dynamics in Georgia and similar states like North Carolina, Nevada, and Arizona. A strategy memo from Harris campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon, formerly Biden’s campaign chair, emphasized the necessity of winning Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania but also highlighted the new opportunities Harris brings to attract Black, Latino, and young voters in states like Georgia.
“The energy is infectious,” said Georgia Democratic Chairwoman Nikema Williams. “My phone has been blowing up. People want to be part of this movement.”
Harris began her day by highlighting her prosecutorial background, contrasting it with Trump’s legal troubles, while vigorously defending the Biden administration’s record. She pledged to pass voting rights legislation and restore reproductive rights lost after the fall of Roe v. Wade. “America has tried these failed policies before. And we are not going back,” she declared, to chants of “we’re not going back” from the crowd.
Republicans argue that concerns over high consumer prices and immigration issues will impact Harris negatively in the traditionally conservative state. However, they acknowledge that the race now resembles the tightly contested 2020 more than it did a few weeks ago.
“Trump was going to win Georgia. It was over,” said Republican consultant Brian Robinson. “The Democrats have a chance here for a reset.”
In response, Trump announced a rally in the same Georgia State arena for Saturday, underscoring the fierce competition ahead. Robinson admitted that while Harris has her weaknesses, including progressive stances from her 2020 primary campaign, she has been “in command” so far, making the race competitive in Georgia.
Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt dismissed Harris as “just as weak, failed and incompetent as Joe Biden,” arguing she must explain her support for policies that allegedly harmed Georgia families. Nonetheless, Harris’ campaign and Georgia Democrats have mobilized significantly, with 24 offices across the state, including two new ones in metro Atlanta.
Harris, addressing supporters post-speech, stressed the urgency of the campaign, noting that early voting begins in just 38 days. While she has yet to formally clinch the nomination or choose a running mate, these decisions are expected imminently.
“This is a sprint,” she said. “And we know what we need to do to cross the finish line.”
Harris’ campaign strategy involves winning over voters in Atlanta’s growing suburbs and exurbs, targeting moderates disenchanted with Trump. For many, her candidacy represents a fresh start.
“I’ve voted Republican many times in my life,” said Michael Sleister, a white suburbanite from Forsyth County. “Now I see the Republican Party as representing a direct threat to my grandchildren,” he said, expressing disdain for Trump.
Allen Smith, a 41-year-old Atlanta native, has become a first-time campaign volunteer for Harris. “I decided right then I would do whatever I could to help her get elected,” he said, recounting his reaction to Biden’s endorsement of Harris.
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