Kamala Harris rallied Atlanta, calling for unity and an “opportunity economy,” joined by Jon Ossoff, Usher and younger voters.
On Oct. 19, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris held a rally in Atlanta, Georgia, where she brought to the crowd her vision for the future and rallied her supporters alongside prominent figures, such as Senator Jon Ossoff, Musician Usher, and local youth advocate Tyler Lee.
The event highlighted the emphasis on community investment, inclusivity and the significance of the 2024 Presidential Election.
In a call for unity, Senator Ossoff delivered a strong critique of former President Donald Trump, emphasizing that this election would shape “the character of our republic”.
Ossoff continued to say, “This is much deeper than Democrats versus Republicans. Former President Trump is unfit for the presidency. He lacks integrity. He lacks the moral compass necessary to lead us in the Oval Office, and he’s proven it again and again.”
Senator Ossoff, a known advocate of veterans’ rights, took a moment to describe what he viewed as a deeper issue with Donald Trump’s public demeanor.
“I’m not talking about mean tweets. I’m not talking about insults,” Ossoff said. “We’re talking about the disrespect for service members and veterans and belittling of wounded warriors that make him unfit to be our Commander-in-Chief, because in Georgia, we honor and we respect those who serve.”
Atlanta’s own Usher, also on stage at the rally, endorsed Harris, expressing that her vision includes “everyone” and aims to uplift local communities.
“I’m supporting Vice President Harris because she fights for everyone’s rights, for freedom, and it doesn’t matter where you’re from,” Usher said. His message urged Georgians to take action, calling on Atlanta to work together for a victory for Harris.
“Atlanta, we got work to do to get this campaign across the finish line. I’m counting on you,” he added, pushing the role that Georgia could play in the upcoming election.
Tyler Lee, an 18-year-old senior from Peachtree Ridge High School in Gwinnett Country, also took the stage that evening, noting that he had just cast his first-ever ballot in support of Harris.
As a gun violence advocate, Lee reflected on his choice to vote early. “When I entered that voting booth in Duluth, Georgia, I was presented with a choice. A path backwards towards division and extremism, or a path forward,” Lee said. “When I cast my vote for Vice President Harris, I voted for my Korean immigrant grandparents, who came to this country from nothing.”
Harris herself took the stage to reiterate her commitment to inclusive economic growth, positioning her agenda as one centered on “an opportunity economy.”
Reflecting on her career in public service, Harris stated, “As a young courtroom prosecutor, I stood up for women and children. As Attorney General of California, I fought for students and veterans. As Vice President, I have stood up for workers and seniors.”
She closed by pledging to extend this commitment if elected President, vowing, “As President, I will fight for all the American people.”
Harris concluded her speech by addressing the future she envisions for the nation, stressing the value of opportunities for all.
“Together we will build a brighter future for our nation, together we will build a brighter future that includes what I call an opportunity economy,” Harris said. “So that every American has the opportunity to own a home, to build wealth, to start a business.”
With the 2024 election coming to a close, the rally in Atlanta served as a touchpoint for Harris’s campaign, gathering energy and support from key voices in Georgia and across the country.