WILKES-BARRE — Every rally needs cheerleaders, and Friday’s rally for Vice President Kamala Harris had several — and to no one’s surprise, the captain of the Harris-Walz team was Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Shapiro hit the stage to a loud road from the 4,100 supporters gathered in the Wilkes University McHale Athletic Center in the Simms Center on South Main Street.
With people dancing, cheering and shouting, Shapiro spoke between signs of “Freedom” and “A New Way Forward.”
Shapiro began by first thanking voters for electing him and giving him the opportunity for all Pennsylvanians.
“We have proven that we can get people together and get (stuff) done,” Shapiro said. “Every child of God deserves a fair shake. They all deserve to live in a safe community. And we must be sure we keep our children here by creating good jobs for them. And it should never matter what a person looks like or who they love — you all matter.”
Shapiro said with the Nov. 5 general election fast approaching, there remains a lot of work to be done.
“But we will only get things done by electing Kamala Harris as our next president and re-electing Sen. Bob Casey. They are always for the people.”
And then Shapiro took some time to remind voters of “that other guy” — Republican opponent and former president Donald Trump.
“Did you watch the debate?” Shapiro asked as the crowd loudly responded that they did. “Kamala Harris displayed strength and stability. Trump? Well, we are not going back!”
That sent the crowd into repeated chants of, “We are not going back.”
Tuesday’s debate was held in the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia’s historic area that includes the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the U.S. Constitution was signed.
Shapiro recalled another Pennsylvania Governor, Ben Franklin.
Shapiro said that in 1787, Franklin was asked by Elizabeth Willing Powell: “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?”
Shapiro said Franklin responded, “A republic, if you can keep it.”
Shapiro said voters have the responsibility, given the state of politics in America today, to carry on, as Franklin said, our republic.
“This entire election is going to be decided right here in Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said. “That’s why we have to get out and vote on Nov. 5. There couldn’t be a clearer contrast.”
Shapiro closed by saying that he looks forward to the day he visits the White House and can say, “Congratulations, Madam President.”
A Republican addresses crowd
Vice President Harris was introduced by Mary Grace Vadala, who began by telling the pro-Harris crowd that she was “a Republican.” Boos followed from the crowd, but they quickly turned to cheers when Vadala announced that she would be voting for Kamala Harris.
“Donald Trump failed us all,” she said. “COVID killed thousands of people, including my mother. We needed a leader, but we never got one. It’s time to turn the page, once and for all.”
That sent the crowd into a frenzy as Vadala, a registered nurse from Scranton, introduced Harris.
Mayor Brown welcomes all
Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown began the program by welcoming Harris and the crowd to the city.
Brown warmed up, leading them in chants of “Ka-ma-la,” and “We won’t go back” and then, after mentioning Trump, the crowd booed, then chanted “Lock him up.”
Brown said Harris never puts people down, she lifts them up, and he said Harris “will take us forward.”
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton, also offered remarks.
“As we saw in the debate the other night, she is ready to take on Donald Trump and win this election,” he said.