PHOTOS: Kamala Harris Makes Star-Studded Return to Charlotte
Veep makes one last stop in the Queen City before Election Day
With just three days to go until the 2024 presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris returned to the Queen City for one last rally, this time at PNC Music Pavilion.
Starring a who’s who of North Carolina Democratic politicians and a few musical guests, the mid-afternoon rally was full of energy and excitement. Among the speakers for the day were DNC Chair Jaime Harrison, Charlotte mayor Vi Lyles, US Reps. Alma Adams and Jeff Jackson (the latter is running for NC attorney general), NC Attorney General Josh Stein (who is running for NC governor), and NC Gov. Roy Cooper. Former Mayor Pro Tem Braxton Winston, who is running for secretary of labor, was also in attendance along with other candidates.
While those candidates talked about their support of Harris and importance of down-ballot races in the state, there was also time for some musical and celebrity interludes. Country singer Brittney Spencer and R&B artist Khalid each performed two songs.
Actress Kerry Washington offered an impassioned speech. Singer Jon Bon Jovi was flanked by the members of The War and Treaty for heartfelt acoustic renditions of “The People’s House” and “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Bon Jovi and the War and Treaty’s Michael Trotter Jr. also gave brief speeches in support of Harris.
Harris herself appeared shortly before 5 p.m. for a speech that touched on many of her talking points, provided a few jabs at her opponent, Donald Trump, and was interrupted twice by protestors. Harris addressed the commotion in the crowd by saying that it’s part of democracy, while also noting that she’s doing everything she can to bring peace to the Middle East.
Throughout the rally, supporters of all ages could be seen from the front rows to the back of the lawn at Charlotte’s largest outdoor amphitheater. Harris urged all those in attendance to vote and tell their family, friends and neighbors to vote as well. After more than three hours of being energized, the more than 10,000 in attendance were only disappointed by the long lines of traffic leaving the venue.
