Kamala Harris Rallies Support At Essence Festival: “The Most Significant Election Of Our Lifetime”

Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the dangers of a second Trump administration over growing concerns about President Joe Biden’s candidacy, as she sought to rally Black voters for the Biden-Harris ticket. 

“This is probably the most significant election of our lifetime,” Harris declared during a moderated conversation at the Essence Festival in New Orleans. She claimed that former President Donald Trump has “openly” expressed “his intention to be a dictator on Day 1” if reelected.

Harris’ appearance at the annual Black music and cultural festival is part of the Biden campaign’s effort to reconnect with a crucial segment of the coalition that helped them secure victory in 2020. Biden defeated Trump 87% to 12% among Black voters in 2020, according to CNN exit polls. However, Trump has made recent inroads with this critical voting bloc. A New York Times/Siena College survey of battleground states released in May showed Trump garnering over 20% of Black voters in a head-to-head matchup with Biden, which would be a historic high if it translates to votes in November.

Harris urged festival attendees to vote in record numbers once again, stating, “We can see it through” if they do. “People voted in record numbers in 2020. This is what was able to happen, and when everyone votes in those numbers again in 122 days, we can see it through,” she said.

The White House has recently struggled to address concerns about the president’s mental fitness and the viability of his campaign following his poor performance in CNN’s presidential debate last week. Some Democrats have called on Biden to reconsider his reelection bid, while others have suggested he step aside. Biden, however, has remained resolute, telling reporters in Madison, Wisconsin, on Friday that he’s “completely ruling out” exiting the race.

Many see Harris as the obvious successor if Biden steps aside, with a recent CNN poll showing the vice president outpacing Biden in a hypothetical race against Trump. Some Republicans, meanwhile, hope to avoid a Harris presidential candidacy, believing Trump’s path back to the White House would be easier against Biden.

Despite this, Harris has consistently defended Biden. CNN reported that the vice president and her staff have largely ignored calls and texts urging her to consider a presidential run, reiterating her commitment to standing by Biden.

On Saturday, Harris skillfully avoided discussing intra-party concerns, as the moderator did not specifically ask about Biden’s reelection bid. Other Biden supporters at the event, however, addressed the issue directly, expressing their support for the president and assuring voters that he’s not going anywhere.

Rep. Joyce Beatty argued that Biden shouldn’t withdraw from the race because of one debate, stating, “We’ve all had a bad day.” She added, “Don’t go out there turning your back on this president.”

California Rep. Maxine Waters emphasized, “Biden is not going anywhere.” When asked whether she would support Harris if Biden were to drop out, Waters said, “We’re focused on Biden. We’re focused on the fact that not only has he done a good job, that we anticipate that he’s going to continue.”

Many festival attendees told CNN they believe Harris is ready to step in should Biden withdraw from the race. However, they expressed their intention to vote for the Democratic nominee in November, regardless of who it is.

“Keep the ticket the way it is. Her time will come. … Stick with the game plan. You had a plan; stick with the plan. The plan worked before; it will work again,” said Jeri Peris, a New Orleans resident.

Peris dismissed Biden’s poor debate performance as “a one-off,” adding, “Everybody gets sick. He’s a good president. He’s a good man. He’s done great things. Everyone has an off day.”

Laura Morgan Roberts of Washington, DC, said it’s a “no-brainer” that she will vote for Biden in November, but added, “I am 100% confident in Vice President Kamala Harris’ ability, commitment, and desire to lead the country and do what’s best for our people.”

Meanwhile, Michelle Buxton from Chattanooga, Tennessee, told CNN, “It just seems like they aren’t giving (Biden) a chance.” She added, “We’re here all working together and I think it almost seems personal. I just don’t think that they should bring him down.”