A Tale of Two Ellipses: Harris Inspires While Trump Incites

Trump has an enemies list; Harris has a to-do list. Her closing argument perfectly balances the stakes of a second Trump term with a practical vision for improving American lives.

The best part of Kamala Harris’ speech was that it didn’t end with an insurrection. The second best part was the joyful patriotism.

“I pledge to be a president for all Americans—to always put country above party and above self. And I pledge to you to approach my work with the joy and optimism that comes from making a difference in peoples’ lives.”

Tonight, I cheered from a riser at the Ellipse in D.C., surrounded by people who were joyful, and I watched Kamala Harris make her closing pitch to the country. Let me tell you—it was the complete opposite of the hate-fest Trump just hosted at Madison Square Garden.

This wasn’t a crowd looking to demonize enemies; it was full of people who were genuinely kind, hopeful, and just happy to be there together. No racist comedians. No Putin apologists like Tucker Carlson. No weird nationalistic screeds. People were laughing, talking about their dreams for the country, and sharing in the kind of energy that makes you feel like maybe, just maybe, things could actually get better.

“Donald Trump has spent a decade trying to keep people divided and afraid of each other. That is who he is. But America, I am here to say: That’s not who we are.”

Harris’ message wasn’t about tearing anyone down. Instead, she shared this practical, grounded vision of what she’d do to make people’s lives better: lower everyday costs, help small businesses, protect Social Security and Medicare, and focus on the middle class. She spoke in such a real way, without the anger or drama you see so often from Trump. It was like listening to someone who genuinely believes we can fix things if we just work together.

Inspiration over insurrection.

And honestly, being there at the Ellipse was palpable. It’s the same place where Trump incited a mob that led to the insurrection of January 6th. But tonight, Harris was there with a completely different energy—one about moving forward, healing, and building something better. She didn’t shy away from the choice we’re facing: do we want a leader focused on old grudges, someone who sees politics as a battle to be won at any cost? Or do we want someone focused on practical solutions, who’s ready to get to work for everyone?

It’s clear as day. Harris painted a picture of a future where our leadership doesn’t constantly drag us into conflict but lifts us up instead. It was the kind of speech that makes you feel hopeful—and I can’t say that’s been the feeling around politics much lately. "Our democracy doesn’t require us to agree on everything…but we need to stop pointing fingers and start locking arms.” She doesn’t see political differences as reasons to divide but as an invitation to unite.

Trump has an enemies list; Harris has a to-do list.

So yeah, I’m inspired. And as I walked away, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. It’s not just about voting against the hate we see; it’s about voting for a vision that’s actually about us. And I’m glad to see she doubled down on a powerful line from her recent CNN town hall: “Trump has an enemies list. I have a to-do list.” I want a leader who works for the people I care about.

The bottom line? This race is incredibly close, and while we’ve got momentum, no one can afford to sit back. Every single vote will count, especially in the battlegrounds where there are still undecided voters leaning our way. The latest numbers even show us leading with those “not fully decided”—but we’ve got to keep up the energy.

Over the next seven days, Harris, Governor Walz, and Country Over Party Republican leaders will be out there, state by state, rallying voters to the very end. It’s on us, every one of us, to stay focused and keep pushing forward. This is our moment to make it happen.

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