In the thick of the presidential campaign, Kamala Harris finds herself navigating a storm of challenges just two and a half months into her candidacy.
With the election looming a mere 29 days away, the Vice President and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, are under relentless scrutiny from Donald Trump, making this race more competitive than ever.
We caught up with Harris on the campaign trail and later at her residence in Washington, D.C., where we discussed pressing issues including the economy, immigration, and international relations, starting with the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The recent turmoil in the Middle East has raised alarm bells globally, pushing the situation to the brink of an all-out regional war.
Reflecting on the devastating events of October 7, when over a thousand people were killed and numerous hostages taken, including Americans, Harris emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself while acknowledging the tragic loss of innocent Palestinian lives.
“This war must come to an end,” she stated, highlighting the complexities of U.S. support for Israel amidst increasing civilian casualties.
Despite the Biden-Harris administration’s substantial military aid to Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu appears to be pursuing his own agenda.
Harris expressed frustration over the lack of responsiveness to U.S. calls for a ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic engagement while questioning the strength of their alliance.
“Do we have a real close ally in Prime Minister Netanyahu?” she pondered, ultimately framing the relationship as one between the American and Israeli peoples rather than just their leaders.
While the Middle East conflict garners headlines, it’s the economy that remains top of mind for many American voters.
Harris pointed out that, despite indicators suggesting a robust economy—such as historic low unemployment—rising grocery prices have left many feeling financially strained.
“Prices are still too high, and I know that,” she admitted, outlining her plans to tackle these issues, including potential legislation against price gouging.
Harris also discussed her proposals to expand the child tax credit and provide tax breaks for first-time homebuyers and small businesses.
However, critics have raised concerns about the potential $3 trillion impact on the federal deficit over the next decade.
When asked how she plans to finance her initiatives, Harris was adamant that wealthier Americans must contribute their fair share.
“It’s not right that teachers and nurses pay a higher tax rate than billionaires,” she asserted.
Navigating the political landscape is no easy feat, especially with a significant portion of voters still unfamiliar with her.
Harris acknowledged the disconnect, stating, “I have to earn everyone’s vote.” She emphasized the need for candidates to actively engage with constituents rather than take support for granted, a sentiment that resonates deeply in this election cycle.
Critics have accused Harris of flip-flopping on key issues, raising questions about her consistency.
From fracking to immigration policies, her evolving stances have fueled skepticism among voters.
In response, she highlighted her experience as Vice President, asserting that listening and seeking common ground are essential for effective leadership.
“It’s about finding solutions without compromising your values,” she explained.
Immigration remains a particularly contentious issue, with Republicans claiming it’s Harris’s Achilles heel.
While acknowledging the challenges faced at the southern border, she defended the Biden administration’s approach, stating that bipartisan efforts to reform immigration have been thwarted by political maneuvering.
“Donald Trump wants to run on a problem instead of fixing it,” she remarked, underscoring the complexities of the immigration crisis.
As the campaign trail heats up, Harris is determined to counter Trump’s divisive rhetoric.
She believes that Americans are looking for unity rather than division, urging voters to focus on leaders who uplift rather than demean.
“The true measure of a leader is based on who you lift up,” she stated firmly.
During a recent rally in Wisconsin, Harris shared the stage with Liz Cheney, a notable figure from the Republican Party who has become a vocal critic of Trump.
Their partnership, unexpected yet powerful, drew cheers from the crowd, illustrating a growing bipartisan recognition of the need to protect democratic values.
Looking to the future, Harris remains resolute about the U.S.’s role on the global stage, particularly concerning competition with China and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
She emphasized that any resolution to the war in Ukraine must include Ukrainian voices, rejecting the notion of negotiating without their participation.
“Ukraine must have a say in its future,” she asserted, reinforcing her commitment to supporting their defense against Russian aggression.
As the election draws near, Harris and Walz are racing against time, hoping their message resonates with voters amid a backdrop of escalating conflicts and economic concerns.
With the Trump campaign opting out of certain discussions, Harris believes that the American people are ready for change, eager to move past divisive politics toward a more unified future.
