By james art 
Kamala Harris
Ricardo Torres-Cortez, Tribune news service
In another bid to win Nevada votes days before Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris drew thousands of attendees in North Las Vegas. “Las Vegas, are we ready to do this, are we ready to vote, are we ready to win?” Harris told an enthusiastic crowd. She noted that Friday is the last day in Nevada for early, in-person voting before Tuesday. The Nevada Day — and Halloween night — event featured an appearance by actress Jennifer Lopez and a live performance by Mana, a popular Mexican pop-rock group. The rally at Craig Ranch Regional Park’s amphitheater came hours after former President Donald Trump got involved in neighboring Henderson and on the same day both campaigns announced Saturday visits to Las Vegas by Gov. Tim Waltz and Sen. JD Vance.
The purple state of Nevada is one of the battleground states that could potentially swing the presidential election with its six Electoral College votes. Studies show that competition is a virtual tie. It was Harris’ 10th visit to the Las Vegas Valley this year and her third rally since she replaced President Joe Biden at the top of the presidential race. Although long lines formed in North Las Vegas, Harris spoke at a rally in Reno earlier Thursday as part of a whirlwind series of appearances that also included a rally in Phoenix.
Here are the four biggest takeaways from the rally and Harris’ 23-minute speech.
Harris takes on Southern Nevada: “We need you to vote, Nevada, because we have five days left in one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime,” Harris said.
Chants of “we shall prevail” erupted from the crowd.
Harris said the country is ready to “turn the page on the decade of Donald Trump.” She attacked Trump’s character.
“That’s him,” Harris said, “But Las Vegas, that’s not us … it’s time for a new generation of leadership in America, and I’m ready to offer that leadership as the next president of the United States of America.” Harris laid out his economic and health care proposals, including a promise to eliminate tip taxes, a plan first floated by Trump. She said Trump would get rid of the Affordable Care Act, citing remarks by House Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, who has proposed overhauling the program. Johnson later said his remarks had been mischaracterized.
Harris said he would sign a bill to restore abortion rights and told attendees to vote on Nevada’s sixth ballot question, which would enshrine the right in the state constitution. Harris will work with Republicans and be “the president of all Americans,” she said. “I’m here to ask for your vote,” she added.
Down-ballot candidates encourage turnout: Wishing attendees a Happy Nevada Day, congressional Democrats encouraged attendees to vote and convince others to do so while laying out their campaign platforms. Congressman Dina Titus noted that Democrats are lagging in early voting in Nevada. “Let’s show Republicans that we can get others to the polls,” she said. Congressman Stephen Horsford said the election is five days away.
“I have a question,” he shouted to the roaring crowd. “Did you vote yet?” Congresswoman Susie Lee said Republican federal candidates are “in for a rude awakening if they think they’re going to turn Nevada red.” U.S. Sen. Jackie Rosen said Nevada could determine the outcome of the White House and Senate races. “I hope you’ve all got your gym shoes on because we’re going to be very busy over the next five days,” she said.
J-Lo’s vote: Hollywood star Lopez introduced Harris. She said she’s no stranger to Las Vegas and has been at many stages in her life, but said this is “the most important stage I’ve ever been at.” Lopez added, “You’re the ones who are going to send the message that Nevada is Harris country.” Lopez compared her upbringing to Harris’, saying that “Kamala Harris gets it.” She talked about the American dream of immigrants, women’s rights, “Latina power” and touted Harris’ campaign proposals. Lopez said Trump has “consistently worked to divide us” and that the Republican candidate’s rally at Madison Square Garden “reminded us.”
“It wasn’t just Puerto Ricans who were offended that day,” Lopez said. “It was every Latino in this country, it was humanity and everyone of decent character.” She was referring to remarks by a comedian at the rally who made racist remarks, including comparing Puerto Rico to “garbage.” Trump later distanced himself from Tony Hinchcliffe’s speech. Meanwhile, Mana Fher singer Olvera said between songs that the band is supporting Harris because they respect her humble upbringing and trust her intelligence. Drummer Alex Gonzalez touts Harris’ economic proposals.
Halloween cheer and costumes: Pop music rocked the amphitheater as people began to make their way inside before the evening’s program began. Kim Williams brought along her young grandson, Kaiden Robinson, who was dressed in Halloween costumes and excited to participate in a chest or treat at the park. “I love the ideals that she stands for, she’s a strong person with good values and we need her,” Williams said of Harris. “The alternative is just not an option.” Oscar Salgado arrived with his children, who were dressed in costumes, his sister and her husband. He said he is an independent voter who is inclined to vote for Harris.
But first, Salgado wanted to hear about her economic performance and wanted a Harris administration to achieve immigration reform. Rita Long Upchurch is a retired police officer and North Las Vegas resident who voted for Harris. “It’s important to me about women’s rights, education, immigration and the policies they have now,” she said. She criticized Trump’s immigration rhetoric. “We don’t need to throw everyone out of the country, we need these people here to do the work that some of the people here in America wouldn’t even do,” she said. “But we want them to make sure they have adequate wages as well.”
Cynthia Herren of Pahrump said she traveled to the valley just to watch Harris. She said she has voted for both Democratic and Republican presidents in the past. “We hope she wins. I think it will be better for our country if he does,” she said. “My fear is that if Trump wins, he’s not going to be very consistent for a while and we’re going to end up with JD Vance, and I think that would be a travesty.”