MALVERN — Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris was serious at times and unleashed that famous laugh many other times during Monday’s campaign stop with former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney at People’s Light theater.
During the 45-minute mostly informal conversation moderated by Sarah Longwell of Republican Voters Against Trump, Harris and Cheney addressed the audience of about 400, which included many Republicans who are against voting for former President Donald Trump.
Harris bashed Trump and received laughter from the attentive audience, when she asked that issues be “grounded in fact.”
She asked for support and implored attendees to talk with fellow voters.
“Help us get the word out,” she said. “Remind them what is at stake.
“I promise to be a president for all Americans. We still have a democracy. In a democracy we each have the power to make a decision.”
Country over party
Speaking directly to Republicans, Harris stressed country over party. “For the first time in recent history, there is a very clear choice, bringing all of us as Americans together.” she said.
Harris said that Trump has us pointing the finger at each other and he tells the American people that we should be suspicious of each other.
The presidential candidate noted that she had taken the oath of office six times.
“It’s an oath that we must take seriously, an oath to support the Constitution of the United States,” Harris said.
Cheney said that she is a conservative voting for Harris.
“I know how quickly a democracy can unravel,” Cheney said.
She said she also wonders whether her children will grow up in a country where a peaceful transition of presidential power remains guaranteed. Harris noted a “real contrast” from Trump and said that the oath is not about the individual but what is beneficial for the public good.
Harris mentioned that she had met with 150 foreign leaders and they were very concerned.
“People around the world are watching this (election),” she said. “Do Americans understand how important we are to the world? We represent ideals — the basis of our Constitution.”
“Our adversaries know they can ‘play’ Donald Trump,” Cheney added. She called the former president “erratic, unstable” and said he “won’t protect this nation.”
“It’s not a difficult choice, the choice is absolutely clear,” she said, pushing for votes for Harris.
New path forward
On another front, Harris said her presidency would not be a continuation of the Biden Administration.
She talked of redefining and reordering both federal jobs and those in the private sector — and not fully based on earning a college education.
She said she loves Gen Z — “young leaders with clear minds, who are ready to get in there. Let’s invest in them.”
“Most of my career was not spent in Washington D.C.,” she said, adding, “I say that with pride. Let’s cut through the red tape.”
Help for families
Harris called for dignity for parents, their children and their children caring for each other. She suggested that Medicare pay for home care of a parent, instead of a caretaker quitting a job.
“When you are able to be productive, all benefit,” she said.
And, women should be taken seriously when it comes to health issues.
“The government should not be telling women what to do with their body,” she said, to what was probably the largest applause of the rally.
State Rep. Kristen Howard said it was exciting to welcome the next president to Malvern.
State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten said that it was great for Harris to make an important stop on this “closing argument.”
“This shows that patriotic minds will win the day,” said Phoenixville resident Lisa Longo.
State Rep. Melissa Shusterman said that the event was a great chance for those from all parties and independents to meet.
“I felt like I was just sitting in someone’s living room having a conversation with friends and acquaintances,” said West Vincent resident Jamie McVickar. “She was especially impressive when she responded to the young woman who explained she has a second grader, has a full time job and is also taking care of her mom who has dementia. Harris really seemed to connect with her as I’d hope any person you’d want as a friend would.”
McVickar said Harris “also spoke passionately along with Liz Cheney about not just the choice, but the duty to defend and uphold the constitution. That seemed to be a really big issue for her and one she feels separates her quite clearly with her opponent, who makes it clear he only puts himself above all others.”
