Harris in Atlanta: Trump should ‘never again’ stand behind ‘seal of president’

ATLANTA – Vice President Kamala Harris made her most impactful argument to date during a rally in metro Atlanta on Thursday evening. The event, part of the “When We Vote We Win” concert series, aims to boost voter enthusiasm and encourage early voting among Georgians. 

Director Spike Lee, actor Samuel L. Jackson, filmmaker Tyler Perry and DJ Mix Master David joined the vice president, former President Barack Obama, and musician Bruce Springsteen at Halliford Stadium in Clarkston. 

Harris gives stern warning about Trump

Harris highlighted what she described as the heightened stakes, comparing the current situation to past election cycles.

“So, listen, so much is on the line in this election. And this is not 2016 or 2020. The stakes are even higher,” she told the crowd, pointing to the behavior of former President Donald Trump. “Over the last two years and in particular the last eight years, Donald Trump has become more confused. More unstable. And more angry.”

Harris emphasized the absence of key figures who, she said, had previously managed Trump’s actions. “Last time at least, there were people around him who could control him. But do notice in this election, they’re not with him this time.”

She cited recent comments from John Kelly, Trump’s former White House Chief of Staff and a retired four-star Marine general, who claimed that Trump had praised Adolf Hitler during his presidency. “Take a moment to think about what that means,” Harris said, referencing Trump’s reported remark that “Hitler did some good things” and his expressed wish for generals loyal to him rather than the Constitution.

“This is not 2016 and it is not 2020,” Harris reiterated, underscoring that the stakes are different this time. She expressed concern about Trump’s potential return to power, especially in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling. “Just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails,” she warned, claiming that Trump would attempt to wield “unchecked and extreme power” if re-elected.

Harris further referenced Trump’s promise to be a “dictator on day one” and statements labeling his political opponents as the “enemy from within.” She called these actions dangerous and contrary to the principles of democracy. “Someone who suggests we should terminate the Constitution of the United States of America should never again stand behind the seal of the President of the United States,” she declared.

Appealing to voters, Harris asked them to visualize the outcome of the election: “It is either Donald Trump in there, stewing over his enemies list, or me working for you, checking off my To-Do list. You have the power to make that decision.”

Harris encouraged Georgia voters to act swiftly, as early voting is well underway and Election Day is now 12 days away. “Vote is your voice, and your voice is your power,” she said. 

Harris also channeled the spirit of the late Congressman John Lewis, quoting his reminder that “democracy is not a state, it is an act.”

This rally marked the first time Vice President Harris will appear on the campaign trail alongside former President Obama.

RELATED: Kamala Harris to campaign with Barack Obama next week in Georgia

Harris landed just after 3:30 p.m. and was greeted by Rep. Nikema Williams, Rep. Lucy McBath and her husband, Curtis McBath, and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. 

Rep. McBath proudly showed the vice president her shirt of Rosie the Riveter “We Can Do It” with Harris’ face inserted on it.

The rally will be held at Halliford Stadium in Clarkston. VP Harris arrived in metro Atlanta shortly before 4 p.m. 

The rally comes a day after an equally star-studded rally for Harris’ Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump.

According to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, more than 2.1 million Georgians have already voted early in the 2024 presidential election as of Wednesday morning. That accounts for about 30% of the state’s registered voters. 

The margin between the two candidates remains slim. A recent poll by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the University of Georgia found Trump with 47% support in the state compared to Harris’s 43%. The survey said 8% of voters remain undecided.

Traffic delays expected during Harris’s visit

Because of the vice president’s visit to metro Atlanta, several roads in DeKalb County will see delays starting around noon.

The DeKalb County Police Department said Interstate 285, Memorial Drive, Memorial College Drive, and North Indian Creek Drive will all see delays and congestion until around 5:30 p.m.

Drivers should look for alternate routes and avoid the area as much as possible.