By Jeff Mason, Arlene Eiras and Steve Holland
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Democrat Kamala Harris cautioned a massive crowd in Washington at her largest rally ever that her Republican opponent Donald Trump was aiming for unchecked power as their race for the presidency neared its final week.
Harris addressed an outdoor rally on Tuesday evening that her campaign estimated to have over 75,000 attendees at the location near the White House where Trump spoke to his supporters before they stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
“We know who Donald Trump is,” Harris stated. She accused the former president of inciting violence by sending an armed mob to the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
“This is someone who is unstable, obsessed with revenge, consumed with grievance, and seeking unchecked power,” Harris declared in what her campaign called her final argument before the tightly contested November 5 election.
On stage, Harris was surrounded by American flags and banners that read “FREEDOM,” with the White House brightly lit behind her.
The diverse crowd included people of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds. Many women attended the rally in groups with their female friends.
“It’s crucial that we do not revert to the disastrous policies of President Trump’s past,” said Saul Schwartz, a former federal worker from Alexandria, Virginia.
“She embodies everything I have always desired in a president. She is joyful, authentic, powerful. And she is a woman,” said Danielle Hoffmann from Staten Island, New York. “It’s time for you guys, I’m sorry, to take a backseat because we’re in charge now,” she added, addressing men in general. Hoffmann noted that her husband is a Trump supporter.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll on Tuesday showed Harris’ lead had narrowed to just 44% to 43% among registered voters.
Harris has maintained a lead over Trump in every Reuters/Ipsos poll since entering the race in July, but her advantage has been gradually shrinking since late September.
Trump and his allies have attempted to downplay the events of January 6.
Thousands of his supporters stormed the Capitol, causing chaos and violence, resulting in the deaths of five individuals. Trump has indicated that if reelected, he would pardon the over 1,500 participants who have been charged with crimes.
“We must stop blaming others and instead come together,” Harris urged the crowd, calling for unity and solidarity among Americans.
Turning to foreign policy, Harris portrayed Trump as a threat to national security who aligns himself with autocrats like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, and cannot be trusted by allies.
“World leaders believe that Donald Trump is easily influenced, manipulated with flattery or favors,” she stated. “And you can bet that autocrats like Putin and Kim Jong Un are supporting him in this election.”
Meanwhile, in Florida, Trump’s campaign tried to move past controversial remarks made by allies at his recent rally in New York. Trump described the event as “an absolute lovefest” and expressed his honor to be a part of it.
Trump did not address the offensive comments made by speakers at the rally, where derogatory remarks were made about various groups.
As Harris addressed the crowd in Washington, Trump visited a heavily Hispanic city in Pennsylvania, emphasizing a message of hope for all Americans.
With 51 million Americans already having voted in the election, the race between Harris and Trump will determine the future leadership of the United States for the next four years.
Harris, potentially the first female president, and Trump, seeking a return to office after his term from 2017-2021, differ on various issues such as support for Ukraine and NATO, trade policies, abortion rights, taxes, and democratic principles.
The candidates are currently neck and neck in the seven battleground states that will play a crucial role in deciding the election.
Trump has criticized Harris as being too risky to serve as president, pointing to past foreign conflicts and high levels of immigration during her vice presidency.
He accused her of leading a campaign of destruction, describing it as a campaign fueled by hate.
Trump aims to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction with rising prices and immigration, while Harris has emphasized abortion rights and warned against Trump’s potential to undermine democracy.