Closing Arguments in Clarkston
Vice President Kamala Harris joined former President Barack Obama for their first campaign appearance together, focusing on Black voters in Atlanta’s eastern suburbs. Speaking at a rally in Clarkston, Harris emphasized the importance of fighting for the future while addressing key issues like drug prices, housing costs, and grocery expenses. “I come from the middle class, and I will never forget where I come from,” she asserted.
Healthcare and Abortion Rights Take Center Stage
Harris highlighted her commitment to healthcare as a fundamental right and criticized former President Trump for his attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, including rolling back the $35 cap on insulin prices. She also reaffirmed her stance on abortion rights, referencing the tragic death of Amber Nicole Thurman, a Georgia woman whose death was linked to the state’s abortion ban. “Donald Trump still refuses to acknowledge the pain and suffering he has caused,” Harris said, pointing to how women are being denied care during miscarriages.
Strengthening Outreach to Black Voters
While some pollsters claim that Harris’s support among Black male voters has declined, Democratic activists reject this notion, arguing that the concerns are exaggerated. Senator Raphael Warnock noted that while there may be some dissent, “we know who Donald Trump is.” The campaign has intensified its focus on Black voter outreach, with high-profile appearances from actors Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee, and Tyler Perry. Perry shared his personal journey from poverty to success, underscoring Atlanta’s role in his rise.
Clarkston, known for its rich diversity, drew a crowd of approximately 20,000 attendees, filling the James R. Hallford Stadium to capacity. The rally highlighted the community’s significance, with Congressman Hank Johnson noting that “fifty different countries are represented” among residents. As Georgia experiences a surge in early voting, Harris’s campaign is actively mobilizing supporters to ensure high turnout, calling upon voters to honor the legacy of civil rights leaders like John Lewis.
“Early voting is setting records, with nearly a third of Georgians having cast their ballots,” reported the campaign, stressing that every contribution counts in the final stretch leading up to the election.
