In the shadow of Jan. 6, Harris concludes her case against Trump

The speech presented as Kamala Harris's closing argument mirrored the nearly finished campaign itself: her remarks primarily focused on standard economic promises, while the surrounding atmosphere was charged with unusual stakes.

She spoke in the same location where Donald Trump urged his supporters to march to the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, to disrupt the election certification process.

Harris opened and concluded her address with references to that pivotal event, as attendees gathered against the iconic backdrop of the nation's most famous monuments.

"It will probably be the most important vote you ever cast," the Democratic presidential nominee stated during her speech on Tuesday to tens of thousands on Washington's National Mall.

"We are not a vessel for the schemes of wannabe dictators. The United States of America is the greatest idea humanity ever devised," she emphasized, closing with reflections on American history.

However, the majority of her speech was dedicated to the practical promises of her campaign. These issues, which her team promotes through advertising, are considered crucial for swaying votes: new housing construction, tax credits for families, and access to abortion services.

As is common in this campaign, protests also took place. One demonstrator carried a sign attributing the election's tightness to Harris's steadfast support for Israel.

Despite this, many rally attendees, already planning to vote for Harris, expressed that the stakes felt much greater than typical campaign commitments.

A husband and wife visiting from Chicago became emotional as they reflected on their day in the nation’s capital.

"This is a sacred time," Dave Andersen remarked, referring to the upcoming election on November 5.

"I'm optimistic that the very dark hour of January 6 was a reminder that there's good and evil. And we continually need to put our effort on the good side of human nature."

The context of this election is notable, as many of Trump's former officials have not endorsed him, including his former vice president. His past defense secretary, another defense official, a former chief of staff, and others have labeled him a fascist or a threat to the United States.

Trump aims to invoke the 226-year-old Alien Enemies Act to facilitate the mass deportation of undocumented migrants, revoke broadcast licenses of news networks he deems unfair, utilize the military for domestic purposes, investigate his political opponents, pardon individuals who rioted in his support on January 6, replace more bureaucrats with political appointees, penalize providers of transgender treatments for minors, and assert control over interest rate decisions. He has also expressed support for police violence and has begun warning about the election being rigged, reiterating that he cannot lose legitimately, which primes his supporters for conflict if that occurs.

What moved Andersen and his wife to tears was the journey of their day, which included visits to national monuments and culminated in the rally.

He found himself contemplating all those who have served the republic, from the founders to soldiers and White House staff he encountered during his tour that day.

The most moving moment, he said, occurred at the Lincoln Memorial, adorned with some of the most significant lines in American rhetoric, the Gettysburg Address. That speech, which honors the dead of the Civil War, ends with Lincoln's hope that government of the people, by the people, and for the people would endure.

Thus, the couple became emotional as the day concluded, lingering near the Washington Monument after watching the Harris rally.

Mary Andersen reflected on inscriptions at the Franklin Roosevelt monument across the Mall and questioned whether Trump supporters understand their country’s history: "Have they ever read those quotes? Does it matter to them?"

Victor Dimbo shared his personal experience with democracy. The Maryland real estate agent referenced his native Nigeria’s history of strongmen and political violence.

"You don't know about power," he said, addressing those who have only lived in fully democratic countries.

"Power where everybody's scared. The ultimate power. Where if you say something against your president, someone will knock on your door at night and take you."

The primary concern: the elections themselves.

He expressed his horror as he watched the events of January 6 unfold on TV, witnessing individuals scale and break into the Capitol to keep Trump in power.

He labeled Trump a masterful salesman for convincing so many that the election was rigged, with people willing to jeopardize their freedom for him.

When asked about this election, he replied as he stood in the long line toward the National Mall: "I'm very worried. I'm praying."

Regarding authoritarianism, Trump deflects blame onto his opponents, claiming to be the one who has been wronged, while accusing them of inciting violence. He is also facing multiple criminal charges, although he reportedly tried to use similar tactics against his opponents during his presidency.

Democratic circles have debated for over a year how much to emphasize free elections in this campaign.

A major donor group supporting Harris has cautioned against focusing messaging on former officials calling Trump a fascist.

They indicated in an email that their research showed such messaging did not resonate with voters. Other Democrats have concurred, urging a focus on voters’ economic concerns.

However, Jeanne Blue insisted that the larger issue is inescapable. No single policy, she stated, is more crucial than ensuring free and fair elections.

"Think about the location," said Blue, who works as a geriatric care manager in Arlington, Va.

"The Trump presidency ended in this spot, on January 6, with an attack on our democracy. An attack on all our people. If he were ever to reclaim power, why wouldn’t we expect him to continue right where he left off? That's why I'm here."

Harris's campaign has attempted to address two objectives simultaneously, as illustrated in her Tuesday speech. It featured tax credits and a housing plan, enveloped in warnings of impending doom.

Whether her message will resonate remains uncertain, as it faces stiff competition for attention from other campaign events, protests, and even Trump himself, who is deflecting a controversy involving a comedian’s racist joke about Puerto Rico at his rally.

Additionally, President Joe Biden overshadowed her message in his characteristic manner, commenting on the Puerto Rico uproar with such convoluted language that it was unclear whether he was referring to the joke or Trump voters as "garbage."

It encapsulated the 2024 U.S. election in a nutshell.