I'm not here to make recommendations. As a researcher and communications strategist, my job is to evaluate not only what candidates say, but also what voters actually hear.

On Tuesday evening, Vice President Kamala Harris had a significant opportunity to deliver her closing statements at the very location where the events of January 6, 2021 occurred. Because deeply held beliefs shape voters' perceptions, we know a thing or two about confirmation bias: If you look for hate, you will find it; If you're looking for hope, this might show up too.

So if you're a Trump supporter, there was a lot to criticize Tuesday night. If you're on Team Harris, your heart will probably beat faster. And if you're undecided, maybe you've found something hopeful to hold on to. Will it be enough to give Harris a win on November 5th? I'm unsure. But she hit some of the key points she needed to make in her closing argument to America.

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Here are five reasons why.

1. She showed voters she was listening

In the weeks leading up to that moment, Harris was often defensive, particularly when it came to economic concerns. As voters expressed concern about rising food prices, she insisted the economy was thriving. On Tuesday night, however, she shifted gears and directly acknowledged those frustrations. By addressing voters' fears and showing that she truly understands their issues, she took a crucial step toward building stronger bonds with those who need to be heard.

2. Offered solutions to real-world problems

Harris has sometimes struggled to reconcile her policy proposals with voters' real-world issues. When asked what she would do to address rising costs, she said she grew up middle class and provided very little support for voters. But on Tuesday evening, she laid out concrete, actionable strategies that could resonate with those struggling with inflation and economic uncertainty. Was it enough? I'm not entirely sure, but it definitely felt like progress. Voters want a leader who has a clear plan, and last night she began connecting those dots.

Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally on the Ellipse on October 29, 2024 in Washington, DC (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

3. Answered the question of how her administration would differ from the Biden administration

A key part of Harris' message was highlighting how her presidency would differ from Biden's. So far, she has struggled to make a difference by simply declaring that she is clearly NOT Joe Biden. But on Tuesday evening she did something completely different. She noted that while her government has focused on fighting the pandemic over the past four years, it will focus on affordability and economic relief. This recast is important because it clearly distinguishes her from Joe Biden and signals that she is ready to lead our country in a new direction.

4. Offers optimism instead of fear

As she launched her campaign, Harris made a point of steering clear of fear-driven rhetoric, emphasizing a fight for freedom that resonated with many. On Tuesday night, this symbol of freedom was everywhere – freedom signs lined the stage and surrounding area, making a strong visual statement. This optimistic message was a refreshing contrast to some of the darker moments of her campaign and, frankly, the last few days.

5. Made himself the central figure of the message, not the former president

It is important to create a distinction between you and your opponent. In recent weeks, almost everything Harris has done seems to be a reaction to Trump. He would trample on the Constitution. Be a dictator. A fascist. Even Hitler. And in fact, she did some of that last night. But it was not the CENTER of their messages.

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Focusing too much on Trump reinforces his presence and makes him seem unbeatable. Instead, she has effectively communicated that she is very different from Trump while positioning herself as a capable leader who can tackle the future head-on.

Kamala Harris gave her closing arguments to voters on the Ellipse on Tuesday evening, transforming a former crime scene into a platform for her vision of the future. The clock is ticking, and while she has made significant progress in her own case, the final decision rests with the voters. Will they buy what she sells?

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Opinions about Trump are strong and steadfast, but feelings about Harris seem more fluid. She did what she had to do last night; Now it's up to voters to decide whether they're willing to take this step with her.

As we approach the final days of the campaign, one thing is clear: In the unpredictable world of politics, the real test will be whether she can turn this moment into a meaningful movement.

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