Kamala Harris Criticizes Trump’s Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric in NABJ \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Vice President Kamala Harris criticized former President Donald Trump for his inflammatory rhetoric about immigrants during a campaign interview with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). She condemned false claims made by Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, and emphasized the need for voters to ensure Trump “can’t have that microphone again.” Harris also discussed threats against marginalized groups, her views on economic opportunity, and her support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Kamala Harris Criticizes Trump’s Rhetoric: Quick Looks
- Trump’s Anti-Immigrant Remarks: Harris condemned Trump’s baseless claims about immigrants, calling his rhetoric dangerous.
- Calls for Change: She urged voters to prevent Trump from returning to the national spotlight, emphasizing unity over division.
- Safety Concerns: Harris expressed concerns about threats to various groups, including immigrants, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.
- NABJ Interview Focus: The conversation covered economic opportunity, Black voter engagement, and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- Trump’s Previous NABJ Interview: Harris’s calm approach contrasted with Trump’s contentious interview with the same group last month.
Deep Look
Vice President Kamala Harris took direct aim at former President Donald Trump on Tuesday during an interview with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), criticizing his recent inflammatory comments about migrants. Harris addressed Trump’s rhetoric, which falsely claims that immigrants are kidnapping and consuming pets—accusations Trump’s running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, has also echoed. Without evidence, these claims have stirred fear and tension, and Harris warned that voters need to ensure Trump is not given the platform to spread such misinformation again.
“Let’s turn the page and chart a new way forward,” Harris said. “You can’t have that microphone again,” she added, referencing Trump without naming him explicitly. She expressed sorrow over the threats of violence that have followed Trump’s false claims, especially in Springfield, Ohio, where Trump and Vance made these baseless allegations. Harris emphasized the harm caused by this kind of rhetoric, pointing out that while she is protected by the Secret Service, many vulnerable communities are not afforded the same protection.
“There are far too many people in our country right now who are not feeling safe,” Harris said, expressing concern not just for immigrants, but for members of the LGBTQ+ community, women, and others targeted by policies proposed by Trump and Republicans. She specifically called out the conservative Project 2025, which outlines a vision for a future Republican administration and has drawn criticism for its plans to restrict reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ freedoms.
Despite the serious tone of her remarks, Harris maintained a calm demeanor during the interview, which contrasted sharply with Trump’s earlier appearance before the NABJ. During that interview, Trump questioned Harris’s racial identity, accusing her of only “turning Black” at a convenient point in her career. His comments sparked backlash and were part of a broader pattern in which Trump has tried to use race to divide voters, particularly targeting Harris, the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother. In a September debate with Trump, Harris called his use of race to divide Americans “a tragedy.”
Harris remains focused on her campaign strategy, working to earn the votes of traditionally Democratic-leaning Black men. Republicans have made efforts to appeal to Black male voters, and while Harris acknowledged that she cannot take their votes for granted, she is confident in her outreach. “Black men are like any other voting group. You gotta earn their vote,” Harris said. She emphasized her ongoing efforts to engage with Black communities and speak to their concerns.
When asked about reparations for descendants of enslaved people, Harris stopped short of endorsing specific policies, but acknowledged the long-term impacts of systemic racism, including slavery and discriminatory practices like redlining. “We need to speak truth about the generational impact of our history,” she said. While she expressed openness to studying reparations, Harris said her focus was on creating economic opportunities for all.
The interview also touched on Trump’s accusations that Harris avoids the media. She and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have given limited interviews, preferring to focus on local media, grassroots organizing, and social media. However, Harris’s NABJ appearance was seen as part of her broader strategy to reengage with national outlets.
Regarding the Israel-Hamas war, Harris aligned herself with President Biden, endorsing his temporary pause on heavy bombing in Israel and supporting a diplomatic resolution. She stressed the importance of security for both Israelis and Palestinians, calling for a two-state solution as the ultimate goal.
Harris’s remarks come as she and Walz seek to rally key voter bases, including Black Americans and progressive constituencies, in crucial battleground states like Pennsylvania, where the interview was held. The NABJ, which has long invited presidential candidates to speak at its events, is seen as an essential forum for discussing issues impacting Black Americans and the media. Both major presidential candidates have spoken to the group in the past, including Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden.
As the 2024 election season intensifies, Harris’s pointed critique of Trump’s rhetoric and her focus on issues such as racial justice, safety, and economic opportunity are central to her campaign’s effort to win over voters concerned about the direction of the country.
Kamala-Harris-Criticizes
