College Democrats Host Vice President Kamala Harris on Campus
The rally, held the day before Election Day, brought the Democratic nominee for president and thousands of her supporters — including students — to the Life Sports Center.By: Meghan Kita Monday, November 4, 2024 07:01 PM
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks in Memorial Hall. Photos by Ash MillerToday, the Muhlenberg College Democrats hosted a major political rally for Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, in the Life Sports Center. The historic event was made possible in part by the Lehigh Valley’s status as “the swingiest area in the swingiest state in the whole nation,” as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro put it in his remarks.
For Muhlenberg students in the College Democrats, it was the culmination of a semester spent volunteering for the campaign.
“When I received confirmation that the campaign had accepted our invitation I was so beyond thrilled,” said Skylyn Ellison ’27, a political science major and president of the College Democrats, before the event. “This is such an important event at such an important moment in the campaign and I am so beyond excited that the Muhlenberg community will get to be a part of it.”
“This is such an important event at such an important moment in the campaign and I am so beyond excited that the Muhlenberg community [got] to be a part of it.”
—Skylyn Ellison ’27, president of the College Democrats
“The moment we realized that it’s actually happening, I think we were both extremely excited but also in a complete [state] of shock and disbelief,” said Kabir Burman ’27, a political science and media & communication double major and vice president of the College Democrats, before the event. “The fact that [Harris is] actually coming here the day before the election is what really stands out, and we know that that’s going to really excite campus, so we’re really grateful for that.”
Ellison and Burman worked with the campaign ahead of the event, putting in long hours onsite — Ellison was at the Life Sports Center until 2 a.m. Monday — as well as day-of. They were among the students and community members seated on the stage behind Harris during her speech.
Ellison and Burman during an interview before the rally
The event also presented opportunities for students beyond the political science department. Five students from the staff of The Muhlenberg Weekly had press credentials to the event and were there interviewing attendees, taking photographs and posting to social media.
“It’s actually so unreal to be doing this and to have this opportunity. I’ve been telling my friends, ‘I got a press pass to cover this,’ and they’ve been so shocked, and it’s not even real to me yet,” Keanna Peña ’25, an English & creative writing major and the editor in chief of The Muhlenberg Weekly, said before the event. “It’s giving me a taste of breaking news; something has to be in tonight. It’s stressful, but in a fun way. This is such an exciting challenge and I’m really excited to do this.”
The Muhlenberg Weekly staffers Amy Swartz ’26 and Harry Glicklin ’26
In addition to Shapiro, U.S. Representative Susan Wild and Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk were among the speakers at the event. Puerto Rican salsa artist Frankie Negrón performed, and Puerto Rican rapper Fat Joe delivered remarks ahead of Harris’ speech.
According to the campaign, the event drew more than 4,000 attendees, including 2,500 in Memorial Hall and 1,700 in the Field House. Another 2,000 potential attendees were turned away due to capacity limits.
Harris delivered a speech that lasted about 25 minutes. Some of the loudest applause came when she addressed the young people — including the Muhlenberg students — in the crowd.
“Every day, I see the promise of America in the young leaders who are voting for the first time.”
—Vice President Kamala Harris
“Every day, I see the promise of America in the young leaders who are voting for the first time,” she said, pausing to let the cheers subside. “I love Gen Z, and here’s one of the reasons why. Here’s one of the things about y’all: You are rightly impatient for change.”
Harris ended the speech by reminding attendees to cast their votes the following day, on Election Day. She said, “Remember, your vote is your voice, and your voice is your power.”
