On Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris invigorated a passionate audience in Georgia, a state crucial to the upcoming election, sharply critiquing former President Donald Trump over critical issues such as border security.
“The energy in this race is shifting, and it’s clear Donald Trump is feeling the pressure,” Harris declared to the enthusiastic crowd in Atlanta. She pointedly addressed Trump’s decision to withdraw from the debate scheduled for November, despite his previous indication that he would engage in a debate with her in September.
“I urge you, Donald, to reconsider and come meet me on the debate stage. If you have something to say, say it directly,” Harris challenged, prompting applause and cheers from the crowd.
Harris’s visit to Atlanta is part of her strategy to capitalize on the growing momentum she has experienced since announcing her candidacy for the Democratic nomination. With Georgia having been pivotal in President Biden’s 2020 victory, she emphasized the state’s importance for the upcoming election.
“The route to the White House goes right through Georgia, and thanks to your support in 2020, we’re aiming to secure another win in 2024,” Harris asserted.
Turning her attention to Trump’s handling of border security, Harris criticized his record and vowed to push for bipartisan immigration reform if elected. She emphasized her track record as California’s Attorney General, where she tackled issues like transnational gangs, drug cartels, and human trafficking with a commitment to justice.
“I put my record up against Donald Trump’s any day,” Harris stated. “While Trump has talked extensively about border security, he has failed to deliver. As my friend Quavo would say, he doesn’t ‘walk it like he talks it.’”
Harris criticized Republicans in the Senate for blocking immigration legislation twice, following Trump’s call to obstruct it to deny Biden a legislative victory. “This only proves Trump’s disinterest in genuine border security; he’s more concerned with his own interests,” she asserted. “As president, I will bring back and sign the border security bill Trump obstructed and demonstrate what real leadership means.”
In response to the failure of the Biden administration’s proposed bill, President Biden issued an executive order to limit asylum claims at the southern border during high traffic periods. Earlier in the day, Harris’s campaign released a video countering Trump’s ad labeling her as the Biden administration’s “border czar,” referencing her role in addressing migration issues in the Northern Triangle.
Harris also addressed economic concerns, pledging that on her first day in office, she would implement measures to combat high prices. These include curbing price gouging, banning hidden fees, and regulating rent and prescription drug prices. Her economic proposals echo Biden’s campaign promises and build on the administration’s efforts to address inflation.
She also committed to advancing voting rights legislation, including the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. This stance comes in response to controversial election laws in Georgia, such as the 2021 legislation signed by Governor Brian Kemp (R), which restricts the distribution of food and water to voters in line.
Music icons Quavo and Megan Thee Stallion performed at the rally, energizing attendees. Megan Thee Stallion, in a powerful performance, linked her support for Harris to reproductive freedom, while Quavo, highlighting his previous work with Harris on gun violence, praised her for her steadfast dedication.
As the event wrapped up, Harris’s message was clear: she is determined to bring significant changes and tackle the pressing issues facing the nation, positioning herself as a strong contender for the presidency.