With less than two weeks until the election, Vice President Kamala Harris A town hall meeting was held in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state, and her opponent, Donald Trumpspeaking at a rally in Georgia. At the CNN event, Harris discussed a range of pressing topics, from immigration and the economy to controversial issues like abortion and U.S. foreign policy.
Throughout the town hall, Harris maintained a jovial demeanor while clarifying her stance and differentiating her policy priorities from those of President Biden, suggesting a new approach she would take if president. Problems, which have always been her challenge, take center stage again. Asked if she would continue building a wall along the Mexican border, she said she wanted to “strengthen our border” but did not provide further clarification.
During the town hall meeting, Harris also called Trump a “fascist” and a threat to American democracy.
CNN anchor Jake Tapper pointed out that Harris tends to avoid direct questions and instead focuses on criticizing Trump. “She’s more focused on Donald Trump than on the specifics of her own plans,” he observed. Additionally, Dana Bash said Harris’ performance didn’t quite “seal” with undecided voters.
5 takeaways from Kamala’s CNN town hall
strengthen border security
When asked about her stance on former President Donald Trump’s border wall, Harris was critical of the previous administration’s efforts. “Remember, Donald Trump said Mexico was going to pay a price. They didn’t,” she said with a laugh. Despite criticism, Harris defended her support for a bipartisan bill that would allocate $650 million for border security, including physical barriers. She emphasized that her focus was on practicality rather than ideology: “We need a president who is grounded in common sense and real results. Let’s fix this.”
Although Harris has changed her mind about the wall, she clarified that her goal is to “strengthen our border,” distancing herself from Trump’s approach while acknowledging the need for compromise to address a broken immigration system.
Coping with Rising Grocery Prices and the Economy
On the economic front, Harris was asked about soaring grocery prices, a matter of deep concern to many Americans. She agreed that prices are still too high and highlighted her background in fighting corporate price gouging as a potential solution. “Part of my plan is to ban price gouging nationwide,” she said, explaining that companies that exploit consumers will face new consequences. Harris also addressed the housing crisis, advocating for working with the private sector to reduce red tape and increase affordable housing options.
In her response, Harris criticized the two parties for not doing enough to address housing affordability, but stressed that her administration would take a “new approach” by focusing on tax incentives for homebuilders and ensuring that corporate monopolies in the housing market are not questioned. responsibility.
defense abortion rights
Harris firmly reiterated her pro-life stance, criticizing Trump-era Supreme Court appointments that led to the reversal of Roe v. Wade. “When Donald Trump was president, he hand-picked three U.S. Supreme Court justices with the intent of having them remove the protections of Roe v. Wade, and they did exactly what he wanted,” Harris said. She described the knock-on effects of the decision, highlighting how some states have introduced tough abortion bans, with no exceptions for rape or incest.
Harris also pointed to conversations with anti-abortion activists who are alarmed by the unintended consequences of these laws, including women dying from a lack of basic reproductive care. “Women are dying because of these laws,” she added, making a passionate call for bipartisan action on reproductive rights.
Distance yourself from the Biden administration
Perhaps one of the most striking moments of the town hall came when Harris made clear that her administration was not just a continuation of Biden’s policies. When asked how she would differentiate herself from the current administration, she responded: “I bring my own ideas and experience to this role. I represent a new generation of leadership.” Harris highlighted housing, health care and issues such as support for small businesses, noting that her approach will focus on practical solutions rooted in her personal experience.
Harris acknowledged the great achievements under Biden, but also made clear that “there is more work to be done” and that her leadership will bring a new perspective to current challenges.
conflict in israel
Addressing questions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Harris called the situation “unconscionable,” especially the loss of innocent Palestinian lives. She expressed hope that with the death of Hamas leader Sinmar there would be an opportunity to end the war and secure a two-state solution. Advocating for peace efforts to ensure Israeli security and Palestinian dignity, Harris said: “Where we are now… I do believe we have a chance to end this war, bring the hostages home and try to Achieve a two-state solution.
Harris acknowledged the strong emotions associated with the issue but urged voters to consider the bigger picture, including the importance of democracy, actual governance and individual freedoms.