'Whole new race': Former RNC spokeswoman amazed by Harris enthusiasm at Atlanta rally

A former spokeswoman for the Republican National Committee was amazed by the thundering crowd vice president Kamala Harris drew at her rally in Georgia.

The vice president's campaign announced a crowd count of 10,000 in Atlanta, and former RNC spokeswoman Madison Gesiotto Gilbert warned Republicans that Harris was building up impressive momentum that could carry through to November's election.

"Just like that, Kamala went from not being able to make it to double digits or win a primary in 2020 to this," said Gilbert in response to another post on X showing Harris basking in cheers in a packed arena. "History is unfolding before our eyes in the Democratic Party."

ALSO READ: Bad news for Trump: Harris will bring the receipts on Dobbs abortion decision

Gilbert, who ran unsuccessfully for Congress two years ago in a district centered around Akron, Ohio, cautioned her fellow Republicans not to dismiss the enthusiasm around Harris as inauthentic.

"Re: Kamala’s crowd size… No matter how they did it, they did it," she said. "This is a whole new race and it would be a huge mistake for Republicans to underestimate the Democrats. The mistake has been made before."

The rally featured performances by rappers Quavo and Megan Thee Stallion, but Gilbert said attendees were clearly there to see Harris after president Joe Biden endorsed her to succeed him as the Democratic nominee.

"My fellow Republicans: Why does 'they came to see the free concert' make you feel better?" Gilbert said. "Do you believe the newfound momentum behind Kamala’s candidacy is not worth taking seriously? A lot can happen in 14 weeks (good or bad)."

"Don’t get me wrong… I’m not saying the people at Kamala’s rally will vote or change the race, etc.," Gilbert added. "All I’m saying is that this is a totally different ballgame than it was a month ago & taking anything for granted in July would be a huge mistake for us. We can’t afford to do that."