October 18, 2024/Midnight

Erie, Pa. – Despite downtown roadblocks and traffic, thousands of supporters made their way to the Erie Insurance Arena for Kamala Harris’s rally, Monday night.

When making her way up to the stage roaring voices followed. The Democratic presidential nominee struggled to get a single word out as the crowd in the packed arena chanted and cheered. Harris started by thanking all the leaders in the room, “I want to thank all of the leaders who are here, thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives to be here this evening. For all of us to be together!”

She highlighted Senator John Fetterman, Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania Attorney General Eugene DePasquale, Erie mayor Joe Schember, and Senator Bob Casey who is running for re–election. Harris continued to remind the crowd that they still had work to do with the election only 22 days away.

Harris acknowledged that this race will be tight until the very end. The current Vice President stated that they are the underdog and noted that winning this race requires hard work. She fired up the crowd by stating, “But here’s the thing also though, we like hard work, hard work is good work and with your help in 22 days we will win.”

Harris then reassured the crowd that they will win because of how the election is split, adding that this election covers two completely different perspectives as to how this nation’s future will look. Harris stated that the campaign of her opponent, ex–president, Donald Trump, is focuses on the past, while the Harris campaign is focused on the future.

“We are focused on issues that matter most to families across America, like bringing down the cost of living, investing in small businesses and entrepreneurs, protecting reproductive freedom, and keeping our nation secure.”

Harris followed up by not only calling out her opponent on his views, but also the way that he continues with the same old “tired” playbook — stating that he has no plan for the needs of the American people and their families.

“It’s time to turn the page…because America is ready to pave a new way forward and America is ready for a new and optimistic generation of leadership.”

She informed the crowd that Republicans, Democrats, and Independents are following the Harris campaign, emphasizing that America needs a president who cares about all the American people. Harris reflected on her career projects in the past. She explained that her job has always had one client and that is the people.

She stated, as a prosecutor, she stood up for women and children against predators, and as the attorney general of California she took on big banks and fought to deliver $20 billion to middle class families. Harris added that she stood up for veterans and students who had been scammed by for profit colleges, that she had been there for workers who were being cheated out of the wages they were due, for seniors facing elder abuse.

“It is my pledge to you as President, I will always fight for all the American People…and together we will all build a brighter future for our nation.”

Harris reiterated her slogan of building an “opportunity economy, “where everyone can compete and have a chance to succeed — not just get by but get ahead.

Afterwards, Harris left many local rally goers with feelings of optimism and excitement.

“It was fabulous!” said Jim Brink, a resident of Erie’s east side. “It was uplifting and hopeful.”

“Everyone was so helpful and friendly. The enthusiasm was contagious,” said Shelley Houston, who traveled to Erie from Jamestown, Pennsylvania for the event. “It was fun!”

To watch the the full rally, follow this link: LIVE: Kamala Harris rally in Erie, Pennsylvania (youtube.com)