In a bid to bolster her support among Latino voters and counter Republican Donald Trump’s inroads into this key Democratic bloc, Vice President Kamala Harris held a Univision town hall in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event, as reported by Bloomberg, was strategically placed in a swing state with a significant Hispanic population, aiming to engage voters concerned about immigration and President Joe Biden’s economic policies.
Immigration remains a hot-button issue in Nevada, where Trump has capitalized on anxieties surrounding border security and the influx of migrants. He has vowed to complete the US-Mexico border wall, reinstate a ban on immigrants from predominantly Muslim countries, and implement mass deportations of undocumented immigrants should he be elected.
Trump has sought to link Harris to the Biden administration’s immigration policies, labelling her the “border czar” and highlighting instances of violent crime involving migrants. However, Harris, drawing on her background as a prosecutor, countered these claims, emphasizing her commitment to border security. “I would put my record up against anyone in terms of the work I’ve always done and will always do to ensure we have a secure border,” she stated.
Harris acknowledged that her approach to immigration would largely align with the bipartisan immigration bill negotiated by Biden, criticizing Trump for his role in obstructing legislation aimed at addressing the border crisis. “There are real people who are suffering because of an inability to put solutions in front of politics,” she said.
Following the town hall, Harris addressed a rally in Chandler, Arizona, another crucial swing state. Here, she focused on policies specifically tailored to benefit the crowd, highlighting initiatives to reduce housing costs and enhance drought resilience.
Harris also encouraged attendees to support a ballot measure that would enshrine the right to abortion in Arizona’s constitution. “Arizona, we need to fight this battle on every front, 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,” she added.
Harris’s efforts in Nevada and Arizona signal a concerted push to mobilize Latino voters, a demographic that holds considerable sway in key battleground states. Her focus on immigration, economic concerns, and social issues, coupled with her emphasis on contrasting her record with Trump’s, aims to solidify her support within this crucial voting bloc and potentially sway undecided voters.
