DETROIT — On the final Sunday leading up to the elections, Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the existence of a “divine plan” capable of mending societal divides and cautioned voters about being misled by Donald Trump’s claims regarding an allegedly rigged electoral system.
Harris made her remarks during a stop in Michigan, starting her day at a Black church in Detroit. She continued her campaign efforts across the state, which is deemed a crucial part of the Democratic “blue wall” in the Midwest, and is considered a promising route to securing a majority in the Electoral College.
During her 11-minute address at the Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ, Harris refrained from mentioning Trump directly. However, her speech clearly contrasted with the rhetoric of the former president and the Republican nominee.
“There are those who seek to deepen division, sow hate, spread fear and cause chaos,” Harris expressed. At the same time, Trump was in Pennsylvania declaring the U.S. to be a “failed nation” and insisting that he “shouldn’t have left” the presidency following the 2020 election, a loss he continues to contest against Democrat Joe Biden.
In response to Trump referring to Harris’ party as “demonic,” she drew on the teachings of the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah, sharing with the supportive audience her vision of “a nation determined to turn the page on hate and division and chart a new way forward.”
After the church service, Harris countered Trump’s negative portrayal of U.S. elections, stating to reporters that his statements are meant to divert attention from the reality that free and fair elections are upheld in the country. “Good systems were in place in 2020, and he lost,” she affirmed while expressing her confidence in the integrity of the upcoming vote count. Harris particularly called on undecided voters not to fall victim to the narrative that their votes might be meaningless.
Moreover, Harris acknowledged the discontent among Michigan’s considerable Arab American community, stemming from the Biden administration’s stance on Israel amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. She stated, “I have been very clear that the level of death of innocent Palestinians is unconscionable. We need to end the war and get the hostages out. As United States president, I will do everything in my power to achieve that end.”
As a Baptist, Harris has addressed Black congregations over the previous four Sundays, reflecting the vital role Black voters play in Michigan and other pivotal states.
Following her church engagement, Harris visited Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles for lunch, enjoying collard greens at the eatery owned by former Detroit Lions player Ron Bartell. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other officials accompanied her during this visit. Later, at Elam Barber Shop, a Black-owned establishment in Pontiac, she participated in a moderated dialogue with local leaders and members of the Black community.
Michigan, along with Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, holds significant importance for Harris’ electoral aspirations. Barack Obama won these states during the 2008 and 2012 elections, but Trump managed to turn Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin in his favor in 2016—drawing substantial criticism from Democrats who argued that Hillary Clinton had taken these key areas for granted. Biden successfully reclaimed these states for the Democrats in 2020.
The loss of any of these critical states would increase the pressure on Harris to secure triumphs in the four battleground states within the Sun Belt: North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada.