With just two weeks until Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris sat down with NBC News’ Hallie Jackson for a wide-ranging interview covering critical issues like the economy, abortion rights, and the upcoming election. This exclusive interview provides valuable insights into Harris’s vision for the future of America and her approach to tackling some of the nation’s most pressing challenges.
Harris Lays Out Plans to Combat Inflation and Lower Living Costs
Harris directly addressed concerns about the economy, acknowledging the struggles of everyday Americans grappling with the rising cost of living. “I am traveling the country,” Harris stated. “I am very clear [that the] cost of groceries is still too high. The voters know it, I know it.”
Emphasizing the distinction between her economic policies and those of her opponent, she outlined a multi-pronged plan aimed at providing relief to working families and bolstering the middle class. This includes:
- Lowering Grocery Prices: Harris committed to addressing price gouging within the grocery industry, drawing on her previous experience as Attorney General to combat unfair pricing practices.
- Tackling Housing Costs: Recognizing the increasing difficulty of achieving the American dream of homeownership, Harris proposed incentivizing home builders to construct millions of new homes. She also highlighted her plan to offer $225,000 in down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers.
- Expanding the Child Tax Credit: To alleviate financial burdens on young families, Harris pledged to expand the child tax credit, providing an additional $6,000 during a child’s first year of life. This financial assistance aims to support parents in affording essential items like cribs, car seats, and clothing.
Harris Stands Firm on Protecting Reproductive Rights, Calls Dobbs Decision “Unnegotiable”
The Vice President didn’t shy away from addressing the contentious issue of abortion. She characterized the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade as a direct assault on women’s fundamental rights. Harris labeled the current situation, where 20 states have enacted what she called “Trump abortion bans,” as “unnegotiable,” underscoring the urgency of restoring the protections afforded by Roe v. Wade.
When pressed about potential compromises with Republicans should they gain control of Congress, Harris remained resolute in her stance, stating, “I think should be making concessions when we’re talking about a fundamental freedom to make decisions about your own body.”
Kamala Harris at Campaign Event
Election Integrity and Transition of Power: Harris Expresses Confidence in the System
With the 2020 election and its aftermath still fresh in the minds of many Americans, questions arose regarding the potential for similar challenges in the upcoming election. Harris, while emphasizing her focus on the immediate task of campaigning, expressed confidence in the preparedness of her team to handle any situation that may arise.
Addressing concerns about her opponent’s potential actions, Harris stated, “Of course, this is a person, Donald Trump, who tried to undo a free and fair election, who still denies the will of the people, who incited a violent mob to attack the United States Capitol.” She continued, “The American people are being presented with a choice… about whether we want a president who understands that America must stand strong as a leader around the globe.”
Harris on Gender and Race: Focusing on Substance over Identity
Throughout the interview, Harris navigated questions about her identity as a woman and a woman of color. While acknowledging the historic nature of her candidacy, she consistently emphasized the importance of her policies and her ability to deliver for the American people.
When asked if she believed the country was ready for a woman, and specifically a woman of color, to be president, Harris answered with a resounding “Absolutely.” However, she quickly pivoted to underscore that voters’ primary concern was her competence and her plan for the country. “The point that most people really care about is, can you do the job and do you have a plan to actually focus on them,” she stated.
Immigration Reform: A Bipartisan Solution Thwarted
Harris delved into the complex issue of immigration, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive reform. She criticized the current administration’s approach, claiming that her opponent “would prefer to run on a problem instead of fixing a problem.”
She called for a multi-faceted approach, including:
- Strengthening Border Security: Harris voiced support for legislation that would allocate resources for 1,500 additional border agents to enhance security measures.
- Stemming the Flow of Fentanyl: Recognizing the devastating impact of fentanyl on communities nationwide, she pledged to prioritize efforts to curb the influx of this dangerous drug.
- Creating an Orderly and Humane System: Harris emphasized the need for an immigration system that treats individuals with dignity and respect while ensuring effective border control.
This in-depth interview provided a crucial glimpse into Vice President Kamala Harris’s vision for America. With a focus on addressing the economic anxieties of working families, protecting reproductive rights, and restoring faith in American leadership, Harris made a compelling case for her candidacy in the final stretch of the election season.