Omar Bennett
On election night, Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a watch party at Howard University in Washington, D.C., a historically Black university from which she graduated in 1986. Harris's defeat to former President Donald Trump was confirmed two months later, and she presided over the certification of her own loss. Harris's team was still appealing for funds a week after the election, and she told advisers that she was in no rush to make any decisions about her future.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, November 5, 2024 |
| Location | Howard University, Washington D.C. |
| Event | Election night watch party |
| Attendees | Kamala Harris |
| Transport | Roads closed to vehicles; detours for pedestrians and public transport |
| Security | United States Secret Service |
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What You'll Learn
Kamala Harris's election night watch party at Howard University in Washington D.C
On election night, Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a watch party at Howard University in Washington, D.C. This was a significant choice of venue as Howard University is Harris' alma mater, where she graduated with a degree in economics and political science in 1986 and was an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. The historically Black college is home to many illustrious alumni, and the potential of one of its most famous graduates becoming the next President of the United States had students and staff alike buzzing with excitement.
The event was marked by a series of road closures and parking restrictions in the area surrounding the university's campus, with the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department coordinating security measures. Motorists and the public were warned to expect delays and extended street closures. The Howard University Hospital remained open and accessible throughout, with entry possible via Georgia Avenue and Florida Avenue, NW.
The atmosphere at the watch party was initially electric, with musical performances and triumphant speeches. However, as the night wore on and race calls began to roll in, the mood shifted to one of anxiety. The crowd fell quiet as attendees watched the returns come in on a giant projection of CNN, with anxious faces and hushed conversations filling the room. Harris' campaign chair, Jen O'Malley Dillon, stressed patience and resolve in a message to campaign staff, predicting that the race would not be decided until the early morning hours.
The path to victory for Harris relied heavily on the so-called "blue wall" states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. As the night progressed, the race remained close, with Harris and Trump neck-and-neck in several key battleground states. The election night watch party at Howard University reflected the tension and anticipation of the momentous occasion, with Harris and her supporters awaiting the results that would decide the country's future.
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Harris's final pitch to voters in Pennsylvania
On the eve of Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris made her final pitch to voters in Pennsylvania, a state that could prove decisive in the campaign for the White House. Harris spent the full day in Pennsylvania, rallying supporters in Allentown, Scranton, and Pittsburgh, and canvassing in Reading. In Scranton, a key area that could decide the state, Harris told her supporters, "Let's get out the vote." She also knocked on doors alongside campaign volunteers, telling one woman, "I just wanted to come by and say I hope to earn your vote."
Harris ended her night in Philadelphia at the art museum steps made famous in the movie "Rocky." There, she addressed a cheering crowd, saying, "This is it. Tomorrow is Election Day and the momentum is on our side."
On Election Day, Harris hosted an election night watch party at Howard University in Washington, D.C., a historically Black university from which she graduated in 1986. In the days leading up to the event, the Secret Service announced that numerous streets around the university's campus would be closed to vehicular traffic, with some roads restricted to local traffic only. Metrobus routes were also detoured, and delays were expected for Metrorail and MetroAccess services.
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Harris's interview with NBC
On Tuesday, the day before election day, Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, and former Vice President, gave an interview with NBC. In the interview, Harris discussed her plans for election day, where she would be holding an election night watch party at Howard University in Washington D.C., her alma mater. She also addressed her decision to mail in her ballot for her home state of California, rather than voting in person.
In the lead-up to election day, Harris made a final push for votes in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state. She spent the day before election day rallying supporters and canvassing in Philadelphia, Allentown, Scranton, and Pittsburgh. She ended her night in Philadelphia, at the art museum steps made famous by the movie "Rocky". She also visited a Puerto Rican restaurant in Reading and knocked on doors alongside campaign volunteers.
Harris emphasized the importance of the election, telling supporters, "Tomorrow is Election Day and the momentum is on our side." She encouraged volunteers to get out and vote, stating, "We need everyone in Pennsylvania to vote. You are going to make the difference in this election."
Following her election loss to Donald Trump, Harris presided over the certification of her own defeat as president of the Senate. Her aides insisted that she would carry out her constitutional duty with seriousness and grace, despite the difficult circumstances. Harris herself stated that she was in no rush to make any decisions regarding her future plans, wanting to take time to assess her options.
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Harris's rally in Philadelphia
On the eve of Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris chose Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the location for her final campaign rally. This was part of a last-ditch effort to win over voters in a state that could be crucial in determining the outcome of the election.
Harris' decision to hold her final rally in Philadelphia was significant, as Pennsylvania is considered a battleground state that could go either way in the election. The state has a large number of electoral votes, making it a highly coveted prize for both the Democratic and Republican candidates.
The location for Harris' final rally was also symbolic. She chose to end her campaign at the art museum steps made famous in the movie "Rocky." This iconic setting sent a message of resilience and determination, reflecting the themes of her campaign. Harris' supporters turned out in force, cheering her on as she delivered her final campaign speech.
During her time in Philadelphia, Harris also rallied with supporters in several other locations, including Allentown, Scranton, and Pittsburgh. She even took time to visit a Puerto Rican restaurant in Reading and go door-to-door with campaign volunteers, showcasing her commitment to connecting with voters on a personal level.
The Philadelphia rally marked the culmination of Harris' campaign efforts and highlighted the importance of Pennsylvania in the electoral landscape. With high stakes and strong competition, Harris' final rally in Philadelphia represented her last push to sway voters and secure their support in this critical battleground state.
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Harris's visit to a Puerto Rican cafe in Reading, Pennsylvania
On the eve of Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris made a stop in Reading, Pennsylvania, as part of her final push to turn out supporters in a state that could prove decisive in the campaign for the White House. Harris took time to connect with the local community by visiting a Puerto Rican café and doing some canvassing, knocking on doors alongside campaign volunteers.
At the Puerto Rican restaurant, Harris had the opportunity to engage with patrons and staff, sampling the cuisine and immersing herself in the cultural ambiance. This visit held symbolic significance, showcasing her commitment to diversity and her willingness to engage with communities from various ethnic backgrounds. The choice of a Puerto Rican café was likely not random, recognising the importance of the Hispanic vote in the upcoming election.
Harris's decision to spend time in Reading, Pennsylvania, was strategic. The state is known for its pivotal role in US presidential elections, often considered a battleground that can sway the outcome. By visiting Reading, Harris aimed to rally support and encourage voters to turn out for her, recognising that every vote counts in such a closely contested race.
During her time in Reading, Harris demonstrated her dedication to grassroots campaigning. She didn't limit herself to the café visit; she took to the streets, knocking on doors and personally appealing to voters. This hands-on approach allowed her to connect directly with the people, hear their concerns, and make a final case for why they should cast their ballots for her.
Harris's visit to the Puerto Rican café in Reading, Pennsylvania, exemplified her campaign strategy, which prioritised personal connections and grassroots engagement. By spending time in a culturally rich setting and interacting with voters face-to-face, Harris sent a powerful message of inclusivity and accessibility, positioning herself as a leader who is in touch with the people and committed to representing all communities.
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