In Las Vegas, Vice President Kamala Harris finally addressed her primary-free nomination after 10 weeks as the Democratic presidential nominee. The question came from undecided voter Mario Sigbaum during a Univision town hall. Sigbaum, a property manager and US citizen for 28 years, voiced concerns over Harris’s unconventional path to candidacy and President Biden’s role in her nomination.
Harris acknowledged the unique circumstances of her nomination. She stated that President Biden’s decision to support her candidacy was a courageous move prioritising the country over personal interest. She expressed honour at being the Democratic nominee.
Harris then shifted focus to former President Donald Trump, highlighting his statement about potentially terminating the US Constitution. She emphasised the importance of constitutional protections, such as those against unreasonable searches and seizures, but did not mention the First or Second Amendments.
The town hall, titled “Noticias Univision Presents: Latinos Ask, Kamala Harris Responds,” was recorded at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and aired on Thursday at 10 p.m. The programme featured questions from undecided Hispanic voters, with some flown in from Florida and Wisconsin. Moderator Enrique Acevedo translated questions when needed, and Harris responded in English.
During the event, Harris offered sympathy to a woman whose noncitizen mother died without adequate healthcare. She advised the questioner to remember her mother as she lived, not how she died.
When asked to name positive traits about Trump, Harris only acknowledged his love for his family, noting she had only met him once on a debate stage and had little more to say. She pointed to her campaign’s policy positions available online.
Harris addressed various topics, attributing inflation to price gouging and advocating for abortion rights, stating that women should not have to worry about politicians deciding their options in 2024.
The event aimed to bolster support from the Hispanic community, where Harris’s backing has decreased. An NBC News/Telemundo poll from September indicated a significant drop in Hispanic support for Democrats since 2012. While Hillary Clinton had 70% Hispanic support in 2016, Harris has 54% this year, with Trump at 40%.
Univision plans to host a similar event with Trump next week but has not made audience members available to reporters, without providing a reason for this decision.
What Other Media Are Saying
- USA Today: Vice President Kamala Harris appeals to Latino voters at Univision town hall, addressing health care, hurricanes, and Trump’s virtues with a focus on her unprecedented candidacy.(read more)
- The Nevada Independent reports on Vice President Kamala Harris addressing immigration and healthcare concerns at a town hall in Las Vegas, highlighting Latino voters’ critical role in the presidential election.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did Kamala Harris take 10 weeks to address her nomination?
Harris acknowledged the unique circumstances and Biden’s courageous support.
What did Kamala Harris say about Trump during the town hall?
Harris mentioned Trump’s statement about potentially terminating the Constitution.
How did Kamala Harris respond to the question about positive traits of Trump?
She acknowledged his love for his family and said she met him only once.
What was the town hall event titled?
The event was titled ‘Noticias Univision Presents: Latinos Ask, Kamala Harris Responds.’
What did Kamala Harris attribute inflation to?
She attributed inflation to price gouging.