Vice President Kamala Harris returned to California in a spirited homecoming event after being named the Democratic presidential nominee. Addressing a crowd of about 700 supporters in San Francisco, Harris expressed her joy at being back among friends and supporters she has known throughout her political career.
She emphasized her gratitude for their unwavering support and highlighted the challenges ahead if Democrats do not secure a victory in the upcoming November election.
The fundraiser event, marked by a warm and optimistic atmosphere, was attended by notable figures including House Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi, Governor Gavin Newsom, and San Francisco Mayor London Breed.
The gathering raised a significant $13 million, with ticket prices ranging from $3,300 to $500,000. Harris used the opportunity to stress the importance of grassroots efforts like door-to-door campaigning and voter registration, underscoring that every day counts in the lead-up to the election.
Harris took a serious tone during her speech, warning of the high stakes in the race against former President Trump. She framed the election as a critical juncture for safeguarding fundamental rights such as healthcare, same-sex marriage, and abortion. Her call to action included mobilizing supporters to ensure these rights remain protected and to actively participate in the electoral process.
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The event had a familial and nostalgic feel, with Harris reminiscing about her early days in San Francisco and her long-standing relationship with Gavin Newsom. She highlighted their shared history, including their work on marriage equality. The gathering also served as a celebration of her journey from local prosecutor to national political figure, reflecting on her career milestones and the support from longtime allies.
The fundraiser capped a busy period in the presidential campaign, following President Biden’s announcement that he would not seek reelection.
Biden’s decision was influenced by the desire to avoid distractions and focus on defeating Trump, which he emphasized in a recent interview. Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have been actively campaigning in battleground states, drawing enthusiastic crowds.
Amidst the campaign’s excitement, California Republicans have criticized Harris and the state’s Democratic leadership, pointing to issues like crime and homelessness in San Francisco. Despite these critiques, California remains a crucial source of campaign funding due to its large number of wealthy donors.
Upcoming events include speeches and fundraisers by Walz and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, continuing the momentum for Harris’ campaign. Supporters, like Susie Tompkins Buell, express high hopes for Harris, praising her energy and consistent leadership style as essential for the campaign’s success.
