# Kamala Harris in Washington, DC | 10.29.24 Auto-transcribed by https://aliceapp.ai on Wednesday, 30 Oct 2024. Synced media and text playback available on this page: https://aliceapp.ai/recordings/iWDEL3KmAZSR4Mv0TkXrIonU9tbYf_5P * Words : 3,126 * Duration : 00:29:33 * Recorded on : Unknown date * Uploaded on : 2024-10-30 16:01:11 UTC * At : Unknown location * Using : Uploaded to aliceapp.ai ## Speakers: * Kamala Harris - 100.0% ---------------------------- Kamala Harris [00:00:03] Good evening, America. Kamala Harris [00:00:09] Good evening, everyone. Good evening. And thank you for taking the time out of your busy lives. Kamala Harris [00:00:23] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, everyone. Kamala Harris [00:00:29] So listen, one week from today, you will have the chance to make a decision that directly impacts your life, the life of your family, and the future of this country we love. Kamala Harris [00:00:53] And it will probably be the most important vote you ever cast. And this election is more than just a choice between two parties and two different candidates. It is a choice about whether we have a country rooted in freedom for every American or ruled by chaos and division. Kamala Harris [00:01:27] Many of you watching have probably already cast your ballots, but I know many others are still considering who to vote for or whether you'll vote at all. So tonight, I will speak to everyone about the choice and the stakes in this election. Look, we know who Donald Trump is. He is the person who stood at this very spot nearly four years ago and sent an armed mob to the United States Capitol to overturn the will of the people in a free and fair election, an election that he knew he lost. Kamala Harris [00:02:20] Americans died as a result of that attack. Kamala Harris [00:02:24] 140 Law enforcement officers were injured because of that attack. And while Donald Trump sat in the White House watching as the violence unfolded on television, he was told by his staff that the mob wanted to kill his own vice president. And Donald Trump responded with two words. So what, America? That's who Donald Trump is. Kamala Harris [00:03:00] And that's who is asking you to give him another four years in the Oval Office. Kamala Harris [00:03:10] Not to focus on your problems, but to focus on his. And Donald Trump has told us his priorities for a second term. He has an enemies list of people he intends to prosecute. He says that one of his highest priorities is to set free the violent extremists who insulted those law enforcement officers on January 6th. Kamala Harris [00:03:38] Donald Trump intends to use the United States military against American citizens who simply disagree with him. Kamala Harris [00:03:48] People he calls, quote, the enemy from within America. This is not a candidate for president who is thinking about how to make your life better. This is someone who is unstable, obsessed with. With revenge, consumed with grievance, and out for unchecked power. Donald Trump has spent a decade trying to keep the American people divided and afraid of each other. Kamala Harris [00:04:26] That is who he is. But America, I am here tonight to say that is not who we are. That is not who we are. Kamala Harris [00:04:43] That is not who we are. You see, what Donald Trump has never understood is that e pluribus unum out of many, one isn't just a phrase on a dollar bill. It is a living Truth about the heart of our nation. Our democracy doesn't. It doesn't require us to agree on everything. Kamala Harris [00:05:11] In fact, we like good arguments from time to time. Just think of your own family, right? It's not the American way to not have disagreements. We don't shy away from robust debate. Robust debate. Kamala Harris [00:05:25] In fact, we like a good debate, don't we? We like a good Deb. Kamala Harris [00:05:32] And the fact that someone disagrees with us does not make them the enemy within. They are family, neighbors, classmates, co workers. They are fellow Americans. And as Americans, we rise and fall together. Kamala Harris [00:06:00] America. For too long, we have been constant with too much division, chaos, and mutual distrust. And it can be easy then to forget a simple truth. It doesn't have to be this way. It doesn't have to be this way. Kamala Harris [00:06:19] It is time to stop pointing fingers. We have to stop pointing fingers and start locking arms. It is time to turn the page on the drama and the conflict, the fear and division. It is time for a new generation of leadership in America. Kamala Harris [00:06:50] And I am ready to offer that leadership as the next President of the United States of America. Kamala Harris [00:07:05] Now, look, let me say. Let me say I recognize this has not been a typical campaign, even though I've had the honor of serving as your vice president for the last four years. I know. Kamala Harris [00:07:22] But I know that many of you are still getting to know who I am. Well, let me tell you, I am someone who has spent most of my career outside of Washington, D.C. so I know that not all the good ideas come from here. I am not afraid of tough fights against bad actors and powerful interests. Kamala Harris [00:07:45] Because for decades, as a prosecutor and a top law enforcement officer of our biggest state, I, uh, won fights against big banks that ripped off homeowners, against for profit colleges that scammed veterans and students against predators who abused women and children, and cartels that trafficked in guns, drugs and human beings. Kamala Harris [00:08:13] And I did this work because for as long as I can remember, I have always had an instinct to protect. There's something about people being treated unfairly or overlooked that, frankly just gets to me. I don't like it. It's what my mother instilled in me. A, uh, drive to hold accountable those who use their wealth or power to take advantage of other people. Kamala Harris [00:08:45] The drive to protect hardworking Americans who aren't always seen or heard and deserve a voice. And I will tell you, that is the kind of president I will be. Kamala Harris [00:09:03] And look, I'll be honest with you. I'm not perfect. I make mistakes. But here's what I promise you. I will always listen to you. Kamala Harris [00:09:15] Even if you don't vote for me. I will always tell you the truth, even if it is difficult to hear. I will work every day to build consensus and reach compromise to get things done. Kamala Harris [00:09:34] And if you give me the chance to. To fight on your behalf, there is nothing in the world that will stand in my way. Kamala Harris [00:09:49] So, look, in less than 90 days, either Donald Trump or I will be in the Oval Office. Okay? Kamala Harris [00:10:02] On day one. On day one. Kamala Harris [00:10:11] And on day one, if elected. On day one, if elected, Donald Trump would walk into that office with an enemies list. When elected, I will walk in with a to do list full of priorities of, uh, what I will get done for the American people. And I will work with everyone, Democrats, Republicans and Independents, to help Americans who are working hard and still struggling to get ahead. Kamala Harris [00:10:47] I have been honored to serve as Joe Biden's vice president. Kamala Harris [00:10:54] But, uh, I will bring my own experiences and ideas to the Oval Office. My presidency will be different because the challenges we face are different. Our top priority as a nation four years ago was to end the pandemic and rescue the economy. Now our biggest challenge is to lower costs. Costs that were rising even before the pandemic and that are still too high. Kamala Harris [00:11:24] I get it. I still remember our mother sitting at that yellow Formica table late at night, cup of tea in hand, a pile of bills in front of her, trying to make it all work. And I've heard from so many of you who are facing even greater financial pressures. Donald Trump's answer to you is the same as it was the last time. Kamala Harris [00:11:50] Another trillion dollars in tax cuts for billionaires and big corporations. Kamala Harris [00:11:56] And this time, he will pay for it with a 20% national sales tax on everything you buy that is imported. Think about it. Clothes, food, toys, cell phones. A Trump sales tax that would cost the average family nearly $4,000 more a year. And on top of that, you will pay even more if Donald Trump finally gets his way and repeals the Affordable Care act, which would throw millions of Americans off their health insurance and take us back to when insurance companies have the power to deny people with preexisting conditions. Kamala Harris [00:12:44] Well, we are not going back. We are not going back. Kamala Harris [00:12:59] We are not going back because we also know Donald Trump would deliver tax cuts to his billionaire donors. I will deliver tax cuts to working people and the middle class. Kamala Harris [00:13:15] I will make sure you have a chance not just to get m by, but to get ahead. Kamala Harris [00:13:22] Because I believe in honoring the dignity of work. Kamala Harris [00:13:31] I will enact the first ever federal ban on price Gouging on groceries, cap the price of insulin and limit out of pocket prescription costs for all Americans. Kamala Harris [00:13:49] I will fight to make sure that hardworking Americans can actually afford a place to live. Kamala Harris [00:13:58] I'll never forget how our mother saved up, uh, and how excited she was when she could finally afford to buy our first home. I remember how excited she was. And I know that owning a home is not only a measure of financial security, it's about the pride of your hard work. And as president, I will fight to help first time home buyers with your down payment take on the companies that are jacking up rents and build millions of new homes. Kamala Harris [00:14:34] For years we have heard excuses about why America can't build enough housing. Enough with the excuses. I'm going to cut the red tape and work with the private sector and local governments to speed up building and get it done. Kamala Harris [00:14:56] And the cost of housing isn't the only financial pressure on middle class families. I have met so many young people who have a natural desire to parent their children well, but not always the resources to do it. So I'll fight for a child tax credit to save them some money, which will also lift American children out of poverty. Kamala Harris [00:15:27] Our, uh, work to lower the cost of childcare, which is out of reach for too many working families today and for too many people in the sandwich generation who are raising young children and taking care of a parent, juggling all of it is extremely difficult. You know, I took care of my mother when she got sick, cooking food that she had a taste for, finding clothes that would not irritate her skin. Kamala Harris [00:15:55] And understand as I do, that caregiving is about dignity. It is about dignity. Kamala Harris [00:16:05] And currently, if you need home care and you don't have some money to hire someone, you and your family need to deplete your savings to qualify for help. That's just not right. So, uh, we're going to change the approach and allow Medicare to cover the cost of home care so seniors can get the help and care they need in their own homes. Kamala Harris [00:16:38] Now, Donald Trump has a different approach. He tried to cut Medicare and Social Security every year he was president. Look, I believe that when people have worked hard their entire life, they deserve to retire with the benefits they have earned. Kamala Harris [00:16:59] And I believe in the fundamental freedom of Americans to make decisions about their own bodies and not have their government tell them what to do. Kamala Harris [00:17:17] I will fight to restore what Donald Trump and his hand selected Supreme Court justices took away from the women of America that today. One in three women in America. Think about it. One in three women in America lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban, many with no exceptions, even for rape and incest. Kamala Harris [00:17:47] The idea that a woman who survives a crime of a violation to her body should not have the authority to make a decision about what happens to her body next, that is immoral. Kamala Harris [00:18:02] That is immoral. And Trump's not done. He would ban abortion nationwide, restrict access to, uh, birth control and put IVF treatments at risk, and force states to monitor women's pregnancies. Just Google Project 2025 and read the plans for yourself. And look, I think we all know one does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to simply agree the government should not be telling her what to do with her body, not the government. Kamala Harris [00:18:45] And when Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom nationwide, as President of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law. Proudly. Kamala Harris [00:19:06] And look on another subject. Politicians have got to stop treating immigration as an issue to scare up votes in an election, and instead treat it as the serious challenge that it is that we must finally come together to solve. I will work with Democrats and Republicans to sign into law the border security bill that Donald Trump killed. Kamala Harris [00:19:35] When I was Attorney General of a border state, I saw the chaos and violence caused by transnational criminal organizations that I took on. And when I am president, we will quickly remove those who arrive here, unlawfully prosecute the cartels, and give Border Patrol the support they so desperately need. Kamala Harris [00:20:02] At the same time, we must acknowledge we are a nation of immigrants. Kamala Harris [00:20:11] And, uh, I will work with Congress to pass immigration reform, including an earned path to citizenship for hardworking immigrants like farmworkers and our dreamers. Kamala Harris [00:20:28] As Commander in Chief, I will make sure America has the strongest, most lethal fighting force in the world. Kamala Harris [00:20:40] Donald Trump, on the other hand, has shown his contempt for our nation's heroes. Calls them, um, suckers and losers. Called a four star Marine general a quote, low life I will always honor, never denigrate the service and sacrifice of our troops and their families and fulfill our sacred obligation to care for them. Kamala Harris [00:21:13] I will strengthen, not surrender, America's global leadership. Kamala Harris [00:21:21] And I will stand with our friends because I know that our alliances keep American people safe and make America stronger and more secure. Kamala Harris [00:21:38] Look, world leaders think that Donald Trump is an easy mark, easy to manipulate with flattery or favor. And you can believe that autocrats like Putin and Kim Jong Un are rooting for him in this election. I will always uphold our security, advance our national interest, and ensure that the United States of America remains as we must forever be, a champion of liberty. Kamala Harris [00:22:12] Around the world. Kamala Harris [00:22:19] America we know what Donald Trump has in mind. More chaos, uh, more division and policies that help those at the very top and hurt everyone else. I offer a different path, and I ask for your vote. Kamala Harris [00:22:45] And here, that is my pledge to you. I pledge to seek common ground and common sense solutions to make your life better. I am not looking to score political points. I am looking to make progress. I pledge to listen to experts, to those who will be impacted by the decisions I make, and to people who disagree with me. Kamala Harris [00:23:16] Unlike Donald Trump, I don't believe people who disagree with me are the enemy. He wants to put them in jail. I'll give them a seat at the table. Kamala Harris [00:23:34] I pledge to you to approach my work with the joy and optimism that comes from making a difference in people's lives. And I pledge to be a president for all Americans and to always put country above, uh, party and self. Kamala Harris [00:24:04] I love our country with all my heart, and I believe in its promise because I've lived it. I grew up as a child of the Civil Rights movement. My parents would take me to marches in a stroller where crowds of people of all races, faiths, and walks of life came together to fight for the ideals of freedom and opportunity. Kamala Harris [00:24:38] I've lived the promise of America. I saw how hard our mother worked to give her daughters the same chances this country gave her growing up. Kamala Harris [00:24:52] I was blessed to have family by blood and family by love who instilled in me the values of community, compassion, and faith that have always defined our nation at its best. I've lived the promise of America. I've spent my life fighting for the people who have been hurt and counted out, but never stopped, um, believing that in our country, anything is possible. Kamala Harris [00:25:26] I've lived the promise of America. And I see the promise of America in all of you. Kamala Harris [00:25:36] In all of you. I see it. Kamala Harris [00:25:41] I see it in the young people who are voting for the first time, who are determined to live free from gun violence and to protect our planet and to shape the world they inherit. I see it in the women who refuse to accept accept a future without reproductive freedom, and the men who support them. Kamala Harris [00:26:11] I see it in Republicans who have never voted for a Democrat before, but have put the Constitution of the United States over party. I've seen it in Americans. Different many respects, but united in our pursuit of freedom, our belief in fairness and decency, and our faith in a better future America. I know the vast majority of us have so much more in common than what separates us. Kamala Harris [00:26:46] I know it. Kamala Harris [00:26:48] And that's why I am in this race to Fight for the people. Just like I always have. Kamala Harris [00:27:01] Nearly 250 years ago, America was born when we wrested freedom from a petty tyrant. Across the generations, Americans have preserved that freedom, expanded it, and in so doing, proved to the world that a government of, by, and for the people is strong and can endure. Kamala Harris [00:27:36] And those who came before us, uh, the patriots at Normandy and Selma, Seneca Falls and Stonewall, on farmlands and factory floors, they did not struggle, sacrifice, and lay down their lives only to see us seed our fundamental freedoms. Kamala Harris [00:28:04] They didn't do that only to see us, uh, submit to the will of another petty tyrant. Kamala Harris [00:28:15] These United States of America. We are not a vessel for the schemes of wannabe dictators. Kamala Harris [00:28:25] The United States of America is the greatest idea, ah, humanity ever devised. A nation big enough to encompass all our dreams, strong enough to withstand any fracture or fissure between us, and fearless enough to imagine a future of possibilities. So, America, let us reach for that future. Let us fight for this beautiful country we love. Kamala Harris [00:29:06] And in seven days, we have the power. Kamala Harris [00:29:11] Each of you has the power to turn the page and start writing the next chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told. I thank you all. God, uh, bless you. And may God bless the United States of America. Thank you.