Vice President Kamala Harris took aim at former President Donald Trump during a rally in Chandler, Arizona, on Thursday, calling his decision not to participate in another debate a “pretty weak move.”
She argued that Trump’s choice is a disservice to voters and emphasized the contrast between their visions for the future. “This election is about two very different visions for our nation.
One, his, focused on the past. The other, ours, focused on the future,” she stated to enthusiastic applause.
Trump announced on Wednesday that he would not engage in any further debates before the election. Harris, in response, accepted an invitation to participate in a CNN town hall later this month, highlighting her commitment to engaging with voters directly.
“This will be a very tight race until the very end. We are the underdog,” she admitted, acknowledging the close race in key swing states like Arizona.
In Arizona, Harris called for a “new optimistic generation of leadership,” expressing her belief that Americans are ready for change. She also took the opportunity to honor the late Senator John McCain, a respected figure in Arizona.
Harris recalled McCain’s iconic thumbs-down vote against repealing the Affordable Care Act during Trump’s presidency. “That vote was the late great John McCain. A great American, a war hero,” she said, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Harris also urged Arizonans to vote on Proposition 139, a measure on the ballot that would establish the right to abortion access. She pointed out that Arizona reverted to a 15-week abortion ban after an earlier law was repealed, and she called on voters to ensure that reproductive rights are protected in the state.
At the rally, Harris reaffirmed her commitment to honoring the relationship between tribal nations and the United States. She described this relationship as “sacred” and vowed, as president, to support tribal sovereignty.
Prior to her speech, Harris met with Native American youth leaders from Arizona, underscoring her efforts to engage with diverse communities across the state.
Harris also addressed the impact of Hurricane Milton and the federal response, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated effort to assist those affected by natural disasters.
Her comments resonated with the crowd, which reportedly numbered over 7,000 attendees at the Rawhide Western Town & Event Center.
With a narrow polling margin in Arizona, Harris used the rally to rally support in a critical swing state. According to Decision Desk HQ/The Hill, Trump holds a slight lead in Arizona, polling at 48.9% to Harris’s 47.7%.
Despite this, Harris remains optimistic about her chances, urging Arizonans to make their voices heard and reminding them of the stakes involved in the upcoming election.
As the campaign heads into its final stretch, Harris’s message in Arizona centered on the themes of resilience, respect for history, and the need for a forward-thinking leadership.
By drawing a sharp contrast with Trump’s policies and actions, she aimed to galvanize support and energize voters, particularly those who may be undecided.
With the November election fast approaching, Harris’s rally served as a reminder of the critical issues at play, from healthcare to reproductive rights and climate resilience.
Her call for unity and progress reflected her vision of a country that embraces change while honoring its diverse communities and shared values.
