Kamala Harris emphasizes joy and policy differences at Las Vegas rally
Updated with new crowd size information from the Harris-Walz campaign in Nevada.
LAS VEGAS – In the whirlwind presidential contest, Vice President Kamala Harris staked a different path from President Joe Biden in her first Nevada visit as the Democratic nominee.
Biden had hammered on the view that Donald Trump is an "existential threat" to the nation and exhibited a sense of disgust toward the former president’s behavior. They were dark campaign events, not too dissimilar from Trump’s own rallies that often focus on violent criminals crossing the border to rape and murder Americans.
At the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas before 15,000 boisterous supporters Saturday, Harris emphasized joy, shared values and specific policy differences with Trump. During 30 minutes of remarks, she expressed no anger toward Trump and no disrespect toward his supporters. If the campaign’s tone has a predecessor, it would be Barack Obama’s message of hope and change from 2008.
“We are running this campaign on behalf of all Americans from red states to blue states, from the heartland to the coast, and when elected, we will govern on behalf of all Americans,” Harris said.
Patriotic chants from the crowd of “USA, USA” peppered the rally.
“We are here together because we love our country, and I do believe it is the highest form of patriotism to fight for the ideals of our country,” she said.
Kamala Harris on border security
Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, did not shy away from issues during the rally that Democrats and Republicans often clash over.
The border may be the No. 1 criticism of Republicans against the Biden administration, with Harris attacked as a failed “border czar.”
“We know our immigration system is broken,” Harris said, “and we know what it takes to fix it: comprehensive reform that includes, yes, strong border security and an earned pathway to citizenship.”
She referenced a border security package negotiated by Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma.
“Trump doesn't want to fix this problem,” Harris said. “He talks a big game about border security — he talks a big game about a lot of things — but he does not walk the walk. Earlier this year, we had a chance to pass the toughest bipartisan border security bill in decades, but Donald Trump tanked the bill because he thought it would help him win an election.
“Well, when I am president, I will sign that bill into law.”
Harris-Walz on gun rights
A gun owner and hunter, Walz expressed support for the gun rights contained in the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment but added, “We also believe in commonsense gun violence laws.”
Harris went further.
“We who believe in the freedom to live safe from gun violence will finally pass an assault weapons ban,” she said.
The joy of politics
The Harris-Walz campaign rally — part of a weeklong swing-state tour to build on the momentum of Harris’ move to the top of the Democratic ticket — had the feel of a concert rather than a recitation of political stump speeches.
A DJ got the crowd motivated with a set focused on pop hits that got people to their feet dancing for almost two hours.
This positive vibe also worked its way into Walz’s remarks.
He thanked Harris for reminding “us that this work can be about goodness.”
“It can be about smiling,” he said. “It's tough work, but we can be happy doing it. And Kamala Harris has done something that we will ever be grateful for her: She has brought out the joy in our politics.”
Reno City Councilman Devon Reese, who flew down for the event, echoed those comments.
“I’ve never experienced anything like this in my 50 years,” he said.
“It’s amazing to see people from all walks of life, all ages, all faiths, all ethnic backgrounds and all parts of the state embrace the positive message and campaigning of the Harris-Walz team.”
Mark Robison is the state politics reporter for the Reno Gazette Journal, with occasional forays into other topics. Email comments to mrobison@rgj.com or comment on Mark’s Greater Reno Facebook page.