The Power of the Vote: Obama and Harris on the Georgia Campaign Trail

“It is good to be back in Georgia. Good to be back in Atlanta”, remarked former President Barack Obama at the Get Out the Vote Rally in Clarkston, Georgia.

The rally took place on October, 24th, 2024 in support of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris’s bid for President. Approximately 20,000 people attended the Georgia rally, making it her largest political campaign rally so far. Her second-biggest rally was in Greensboro, North Carolina, in which she drew 17,000 people in early September.

The rally featured a lineup of speakers who campaigned in support for Harris - United States Senators from Georgia Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry, musician Bruce Springsteen, United States Representative Hank Johnson, Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, and former President Barack Obama.

“If that doesn't get you fired up to vote, I don't know what will”, said the former President. “Here in Georgia, early voting has already started. If you have not already, go vote!”

Early in-person voting began in Georgia on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024. Early voting totals have already begun breaking records in Georgia. About 30% of the electorate has already cast a ballot according to the Guardian. 

Senator Raphael Warnock drove home an important point about unity during his speech at the rally. “When I grow weary, I look up, and because I’m a preacher, I’d love to tell you that I see something profound in the heavens. But all I really see is birds flying by.” Then he went on to say, “But I like to see geese fly. Why? Because geese fly in a V-formation… when the one out front finally gets tired, he just moves further back in the formation.” 

He used the analogy to relate to leadership. When one leader finishes his term, he steps behind to lead from the back, opening up space for the next leader. “And when he moves back, she moves up and takes his place. That’s because geese understand that my individual location is not as important as our collective destination,” Warnock concluded.

A large number of attendees at the rally emphasized why the right to vote is key. 

“Every election is important to vote. There is always critical things on our ballots that affect our lives every day, so this one, like every other election, is important to vote in. Every election is important because every time we vote for people that represent us, it means our interests, our needs, and our desires are represented,” explained Jazzmin Cobble, Mayor of Stonecrest, GA.

A young attendee, age 12 stated, “I enjoy how the experience is very fun and there is a lot of empowering music and we can celebrate black excellence” at the rally. His advice to other kids his age is to “stay involved and know what is going on around the world.”

Another 12-year-old attendee said he enjoyed “The songs and all the energy.” He recommended that more youth “start going to rallies: they are fun!”

Lauren, an attendee from Cobb County, GA, added, “I think everybody should vote because it makes a difference…It helps us with decision making, it just helps all around…and it is a privilege to vote, so just vote.”

Billy Mitchell, Georgia State Representative and Chair of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus said, “I think voters should turn out for every election because our rights, freedoms, what we enjoy depend on it and that is how you exercise your voice and get your voice known. But particularly this election is important and incumbent on all Americans because I believe that our democracy is at stake. It is incumbent on all of us to get engaged.”

These interviews with Atlanta Youth Press underscored several key themes regarding the importance of voting. Attendees emphasized that every election holds critical issues that affect daily lives, making participation essential for ensuring that community interests are represented. For youth, the event fostered a sense of empowerment and celebration, highlighting the energizing and fun aspects of civic engagement. Additionally, there was a strong call for understanding voting as a privilege and a vital tool for influencing decision-making. Overall, the rally conveyed a unified message: active participation in elections is crucial for shaping the future of Atlanta and the country.

At the end of the rally, current Vice President and candidate for President, Kamala Harris spoke. “We are going to win because we, together, are fighting for the future. We have the opportunity to turn the page and chart a new way and a joyful way forward. A way that taps into the ambitions, the aspirations, the dreams of the American people…There is an overwhelming call for a fresh start, for a new generation of leadership that is optimistic and excited about what we can do together”, she declared. 

With the rally being held 12 days before the actual Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th, the goal of the campaign was to connect with Georgia voters. Since Georgia is a swing state, voter outreach is key to ensuring voter turnout. A swing state means that a state can either vote Democrat or Republican and can easily be won by either side. This is why key battleground states like Georgia are being targeted as Election Day rapidly approaches.

Harris concluded her speech, stating, “The election is here…It is upon us, and the choice is truly in your hands. Your vote is your voice, and your voice is your power.”