The road to election victory runs through Philadelphia, says Kamala Harris

Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Photo by David Muse/UPI

1 of 2 | Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Photo by David Muse/UPI | License photo

Oct. 27 (UPI) — With nine days to go until the presidential elections, Kamala Harris campaigned in Philadelphia on Sunday, setting off a campaign in a battleground state on which she says the election depends.

The Democratic candidate for president was in the City of Brotherly Love on Sunday, promoting her campaign message of love for country and encouraging residents to vote, viewing their ballot as their voice and power. This message was in stark contrast to that of her opponent, Donald Trumpwho held a rally in New York City on Sunday with its familiar themes of fear and division, along with false claims, lies and speakers who used derogatory language.

Harris made rare mention of Trump during Sunday’s events, which began with her attending the predominantly black congregation of the Church of Christian Compassion, followed by visits to a Puerto Rican restaurant and a barbershop where she shook hands and posed for photos and spoke about creating community and poignancy. beyond the last decade of divisive politics.

“I believe so strongly that our campaign in this fight is really not against something, but for something,” she says said at Northwest Philadelphia Puerto Rican Restaurant.

The visit coincided with her release policy for Puerto Rico that includes launching a task force to revive the U.S. territory’s economy, rebuild its energy grid and improve health care.

During the day her meeting that afternoonshe continued to project her campaign as one of positivity, stating that they had nine days of hard work ahead of them. “But we love hard work, hard work is good work. Hard work is joyful work, and make no mistake, we will win,” she said.

Her rare direct references to Trump served as counterpoints, to show the election as an opportunity to “turn the page on the fear and cruelty that have characterized our politics for a decade because of Donald Trump,” so that the United States map out a new future. and find joy in the process.

“Yes, we know that if you care about the people and understand what you are fighting for, there is joy in that fight,” she said.

“We are fighting for our nation’s future, tapping into the ambitions, aspirations and dreams of the American people.”

She also cast herself as part of a new and optimistic generation of leaders who are excited about what the United States can achieve under their helm.

She went on to say that they must continue to build communities and coalitions, continue her campaign and do everything they can to get people to vote so that they will not have regrets the day after the November 5 election.

“There’s too much at stake,” she said. “So let’s spend the next nine days knowing that we did everything we could.”

She ended her roughly 15-minute speech declaring that the election was in Philadelphia’s hands.

“The path to victory cuts through all the leaders who are here. Because of all of you,” she said. “And your voice is your voice and your voice is your power. So today, Philadelphia, I ask you, are you reading to make your voice heard?”

The crowd erupted in cheers.