On Election Eve, Villanova students traveled to Philadelphia to see Kamala Harris’s final address to the people. The rally was held outside the Rocky Steps in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum, where an estimated 30,000 people gathered. Harris’s campaign hosted other community members, including Lady Gaga, Oprah Winfrey, the Roots and Jazmine Sullivan to join her in rallying Pennsylvanians.
The event began with Grammy-winner Sullivan, who performed and addressed the crowd. Senator Bob Casey, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanne McClinton delivered introductions. Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania governor, also took the stage and spoke to Pennsylvanians. “It’s not just Kamala’s name that’s on the ballot. It’s our rights and your freedoms that are on the line,” he said. “It is our responsibility, just as our framers had intended, to do our part. 248 years ago, it was here in Philly just down the street that we declared our independence from a king. We are not going back to a king in this country.”
Shapiro also spoke on the importance of loving others in our country.“The lessons we teach our children, to love thy neighbor, to treat others with respect, are the foundational values guiding our next president,” he said. “Tomorrow let us come together to write this next chapter, where we are more free and united in the cause of liberty and justice for all.”
Hip Hop Icon and Bronx Native Fat Joe took the stage. He spoke on hateful rhetoric and jokes disrespecting Americans.
“We have to elect someone who is really for the people,” he said. “Every vote matters, your voice matters.”
Later on in the night, Harris’s husband, Doug Emhoff took the stage. Emhoff ensured that she is a leader with a positive, inclusive vision of America, where everyone belongs and everyone has a place.
Oprah Winfrey then took the stage with a group of first time voters from Pennsylvania. She asked them about their decision to vote for Kamala Harris this election.
A first-time voter spoke about women’s rights.
“The policies that Kamala Harris has proposed for women’s rights, reproductive rights and education equality are what led me to cast my ballot for her,” she said.
Winfrey then passed the microphone to another first-time voter.
“Honestly it was an honor as an African American to exercise my right to vote which my ancestors fought so hard for,” he said. “As a professional soccer player for the Philadelphia Union, I know that God… He gave me this opportunity to be a leader.”
Winfrey then took the stage and began her remarks by mentioning former President John F. Kennedy.
“He issued a challenge. Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” Winfrey said. “If you haven’t already, you have to vote.”
Winfrey then welcomed Harris to the stage to deliver her final remarks. Harris energetically welcomed supporters and thanked them for taking the time to show up.
“We are all in this together,” she said. “Are you ready to do this? Our campaign has tapped into the ambitions and the aspirations and the dreams of the American people. It is time for a new generation of leadership in America. I am ready to offer that leadership as the next President of the United States.”
Harris then spoke on the decade of politics that has been driven by fear.
“We have an opportunity in this election to finally turn the page,” she said.
She told Pennsylvanians that America is ready for a fresh start and a new way forward.
“We must see our fellow Americans not as enemies, but as neighbors,” Harris said. “We are ready for a president who knows that the true measure of a leader is not based on who you beat down, but based on who you lift up.”
Harris then concluded by encouraging Pennsylvanians to reach out to their family members, friends, coworkers, classmates and neighbors to vote.
“We must remind them that we have so much more in common than what separates us,” Harris said. “Let us please remind everyone that your vote is your voice, and your voice is your power.”
Villanova students reflected on their experience being able to see Harris deliver her final remarks in person.
“It was really awesome to be surrounded by such a supportive and uplifting crowd,” senior Mariel Persico said. “Everyone was excited to be there and full of energy even after waiting hours to get inside. The rally left me feeling really excited and hopeful about this election, but still anxious as so many important issues are at stake here, especially for women.”
Junior Lauren Armstrong also reflected on the event.
“I attended the event in order to support Harris and Walz in the last moments before Election Day,” she said. “I had an amazing experience and felt so safe being alongside thousands of fellow supporters, all excited to share our eagerness for change and new beginnings in America.”
Junior Josie Calarseo echoed Persico and Armstrong’s sentiments.
“I attended the Kamala Harris rally in Philadelphia last night because I wanted to take advantage of the unique position I’m in as a first time voter in a crucial swing state,” Calareso said. “I had never been to a political rally and wanted to not only experience what that would be like, but also be surrounded by people with similar values/beliefs the night before we vote for our next president. Being at the rally last night gave me tremendous hope seeing the sheer number of people who showed up to support Kamala really made me believe that she can win.”
