Vice President Kamala Harris rallies in Arizona, criticizing Trump and advocating for abortion rights, while polls show a tight race in the swing state.
At a Glance
- Harris criticized Trump’s refusal to debate, calling it a “weak move”
- She urged support for Proposition 139, which would establish abortion access rights
- The VP emphasized the election as a choice between past and future visions
- Harris trails Trump by 1.2 percentage points in Arizona polls
- Over 7,000 people attended the rally at Rawhide Western Town & Event Center
Harris Takes Aim at Trump, Pushes for Voter Engagement
In a spirited rally in Chandler, Arizona, Vice President Kamala Harris didn’t mince words when addressing former President Trump’s decision to skip the second debate. Harris characterized the move as both “weak” and a “disservice to the voters,” setting a combative tone for the campaign’s final stretch. The Vice President’s appearance in Arizona, a crucial swing state with 11 electoral votes, underscores the tight race unfolding in the region.
Harris emphasized the stark contrast between the two campaigns, framing the election as a choice between looking backward or moving forward. “This election is about two very different visions… for our nation. One, his, focused on the past. The other, ours, focused on the future,” Harris stated, drawing a clear line between her platform and Trump’s agenda.
Proposition 139 and Abortion Rights Take Center Stage
A significant portion of Harris’s address focused on reproductive rights, particularly urging support for Proposition 139. This state ballot measure aims to enshrine abortion access as a fundamental right in Arizona. The issue has gained prominence following the Arizona Supreme Court’s recent decision to lift a stay on a near-total abortion ban from 1864, which was subsequently repealed last month.
“Arizona, we need to fight this battle on every front,” Harris declared. “And in this election, you have the chance on the state level to vote yes on Proposition 139 and protect your right to make your own health care decisions.”
Tight Race Acknowledged, Voter Mobilization Emphasized
Harris did not shy away from acknowledging the competitive nature of the race in Arizona. Recent polls show Trump leading by a narrow margin of 1.2 percentage points in the state. The Vice President embraced the underdog status, using it as a rallying cry to energize supporters.
“This will be a very tight race until the very end. We are the underdog, we are the underdog,” she said as the crowd responded with enthusiastic barks.
The Vice President’s message was clear: every vote counts, and voter mobilization will be crucial. “The election is here and we have to energize, organize, and mobilize, and please always remember your vote is your voice, and your voice is your power,” Harris emphasized, underscoring the importance of civic engagement in the upcoming election.
Additional Campaign Promises and Local Connections
Harris didn’t limit her address to criticisms and calls for action. She also outlined specific policy proposals, including a plan to offer $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time home buyers. This proposal aims to address housing affordability concerns, a pressing issue for many Americans.
The Vice President also paid tribute to the late Senator John McCain, recalling his pivotal vote against repealing the Affordable Care Act. “I’ll never forget that night,” Harris reminisced. “It was like out of a movie. The wooden doors broke open and John McCain came walking into the well of the United States Senate and said, ‘No, you don’t.'” This moment of bipartisan appreciation seemed designed to appeal to Arizona’s independent voters.
As the campaign enters its final weeks, Harris’s visit to Arizona signals the state’s importance in the electoral map. With both campaigns intensifying their efforts in swing states, the race for the White House promises to remain highly competitive until Election Day.
Sources:
- Harris: It’s ‘a pretty weak move’ for Trump to not agree to another debate
- Kamala Harris returns to Arizona two weeks after border visit — but pivots to abortion