Since his shaky debate night last month, the vice president has repeatedly defended Biden, describing him as the party’s nominee and urging other candidates to “fight for him.”
Harris is likely the leading candidate to succeed Biden if he leaves office, so she needs to quickly solidify support from voters and donors if Biden drops out of the race. At Saturday’s event, Harris sounded a similarly optimistic tone about the campaign and her support for the president.
“I testify as a direct witness,” she said, holding up her hands, “in all decisions. [Biden] I want you to know that the actions he takes in the Oval Office are mindful of how they impact working Americans every day.”
“We are going to win,” Harris declared to thunderous cheers. “It’s not going to be easy. … You have to believe in something and go for it.”
Harris also criticized former President Donald Trump for trying to convey a message of “unity” at the Republican National Convention – a word used by both the ruling and opposition parties after the assassination attempt on Trump last weekend.
“If you claim to support unity, you need to know that it’s more than just words,” Harris said.
Tickets range from $150 to $150,000 for Harris’ event in Provincetown, a longtime hub for Cape Cod artists and a popular beach resort for the LGBTQ community. The fundraiser, organized by event planner Brian Rafanelli, was announced ahead of the presidential debate late last month.
Harris recalled her parents taking her to protests calling for “freedom and equality” — for rights “not just for some, but for all.” “So I know that the fight for LGBTQ rights is, above all else, a fundamental fight for freedom.”
Harris also warned her guests that if Trump wins in November, “he will again implement policies that target the LGBTQ community,” adding that Trump’s running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), would “undoubtedly be an approver of Trump’s extreme anti-LGBTQ policies.”
Rafanelli said more than 1,000 people attended and more than $2 million was raised.
“Back in 2012, we were fighting for the recognition of marriage, and it was Joe Biden who listened to us and stood up for our community,” Rafanelli said at Saturday’s event. “Let me be clear: if we don’t win this election, we will be fighting for more than marriage equality. We will be fighting for the right to life.”
He added that Harris “is more than just a politician; she is a pioneer and a symbol of progress.”[she] He has consistently fought for the LGBT community.”
Among those attending the event were Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and actress Jennifer Coolidge.
As she was leaving, a reporter shouted out the question, “How is the president doing?” She gave a thumbs up.
Vazquez reported from Washington. Nicole Marcus in Washington contributed to this report.
