PITTSFIELD, Massachusetts — Vice President Harris, at her first fundraiser since becoming her party’s presidential nominee, said Saturday that she is behind in the race but predicted that she and the Democrats will win in November.
“We have a fight ahead of us, and we’re behind in this race,” she said Saturday afternoon at the Colonial Theatre, “but this is a people-powered race and we have momentum.”
Harris told supporters that the election was a choice between two visions for the country — one that looks to the future and one that seeks to reverse the country’s progress.
“Make no mistake: This race is not just about us versus Donald Trump,” she said. “We are fighting to move our country forward, and Donald Trump is fighting to move our country backwards.”
The vice president also returned to the theme of freedom — the freedom to vote, freedom from gun violence and reproductive freedom — as she accused Trump of threatening women’s fundamental rights to make decisions about their own bodies and suggested he wouldn’t stop there.
“Do we want to live in a country of freedom, compassion and the rule of law, or do we want to live in a country of chaos, fear and hatred?” Harris said.
She also commented on recent attacks against her by President Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, since becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee.
“As you may be aware, Donald Trump has told outrageous lies about my record, and some of the things he and his running mate have said are just bizarre,” she said, drawing laughter from the audience.
The vice president was expected to raise more than $1.4 million at her first fundraiser, which was attended by about 800 people, according to the Harris campaign.