Kamala Harris faced an unexpected disruption during her “closing argument” rally in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night.

Democratic Presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a campaign speech at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.

Her speech, held at the Ellipse Hotel near the White House, was intended as a final push to mobilize voters just one week before Election Day.

However, Harris struggled to keep the audience’s attention as nearby sirens drowned out portions of her remarks.

“One week from today, you will have the chance to make a decision that directly impacts your life, the life of your family, and the future of this country we love,” she said, raising her voice over the noise.

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Harris’s rally, which saw thousands of supporters bussed in from nearby areas, has been overshadowed by remarks from Joe Biden earlier that day.

Biden referred to Trump supporters as “garbage” during an interview, sparking backlash from Republicans. Biden’s comment came in response to a joke made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a Trump rally in Madison Square Garden, in which Hinchcliffe labeled Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.”

Biden condemned the joke and indirectly referred to Trump’s supporters, stating, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.”

With mounting criticism, the White House sought to clarify Biden’s statement, asserting that the president was referring to the tone and rhetoric at the rally.

In a follow-up post on X, Biden said, “Earlier today I referred to the hateful rhetoric about Puerto Rico spewed by Trump’s supporter at his Madison Square Garden rally as garbage—which is the only word I can think of to describe it. His demonization of Latinos is unconscionable. That’s all I meant to say. The comments at that rally don’t reflect who we are as a nation.”

Despite the White House’s attempt at damage control, Biden’s comment pulled significant media attention away from Harris’s rally.

Observers and analysts also scrutinized the choice of location for Harris’s final push, with political commentators questioning the decision to hold such an event in Washington, D.C., given her current standing in public opinion polls. CNN contributor and political strategist Brad Todd commented, “I hate to be the skunk at the garden party, but I think, you know, I plan political events for a living and I think this was political malpractice to put her in front of this White House.”

He highlighted that with 68% of Americans reportedly feeling the country is “on the wrong track,” the association with Biden’s administration at the White House could amplify Harris’s current disapproval ratings.

Todd further noted that the D.C. venue might not resonate with voters outside the capital. “And you know, I think it’s a comfort reason. I think Northwest Washington, D.C. is about her best precinct in America. Everybody likes her there. She should have been in the Union Lodge in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh tonight. That would have done her a lot more good,” he added.

The rally took place as Harris and the Biden administration face dwindling approval ratings and criticism on a number of issues, from economic challenges to foreign policy.

With just days left until Election Day, Harris is ramping up her appearances in battleground states, where voter turnout will be crucial in determining the election outcome.

However, Biden’s controversial remarks and the challenges at her D.C. rally appear to have diverted the media’s focus, complicating Harris’s effort to secure support among undecided and swing voters.

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