Vice President Kamala Harris engaged in a town hall with Univision in Las Vegas, addressing critical issues such as immigration, the economy, and healthcare that are important to the Latino voting bloc. Many of the questions posed by attendees were personal and emotional, highlighting the impact of policies on their lives. Harris pledged to support “Dreamers” under the DACA program and emphasized the need for an immigration plan that includes a pathway to citizenship. She also criticized the lack of comprehensive immigration reform and blamed former President Trump for obstructing bipartisan efforts.
During the town hall, Harris received a question from Yvette Castillo, who shared that both she and Harris had lost their mothers and raised concerns about the challenges faced by immigrants living in the shadows without citizenship. Harris expressed her condolences and highlighted the failure to pass legislation that could have provided a pathway to citizenship for Castillo’s mother, potentially improving her access to healthcare. The Latino vote is crucial for Harris’s White House aspirations, and she stressed the importance of engaging with Latino communities across different states to secure their support.
Harris was also questioned about her views on former President Trump, with a voter expressing uncertainty about her candidacy due to her late entry into the Democratic race. Harris defended her nomination, praised President Biden for supporting her, and criticized Trump for his admiration of dictators and autocrats. She condemned Trump for reportedly sending COVID tests to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the pandemic, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the virus on Latino and Black communities. When asked to name three virtues of Trump, Harris mentioned his love for family but refrained from providing additional accolades.
A voter raised concerns about the response to hurricanes in Florida, prompting Harris to address misinformation surrounding the federal administration’s efforts. She emphasized her continuous communication with state and local officials, warning against price gouging in affected areas. Harris also responded to questions about the economy and healthcare, acknowledging the high cost of living and outlining her plans to lower prices, provide tax credits for parents, and assist first-time homebuyers. She reassured a homeless woman with health issues about her commitment to ensuring equal access to housing, job opportunities, education, and healthcare for all individuals, regardless of disability.
Overall, Harris’s town hall with Univision in Las Vegas covered a range of crucial issues affecting Latino voters, including immigration, healthcare, and the economy. She underscored her support for Dreamers and emphasized the need for comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship. Harris criticized former President Trump for hindering bipartisan efforts on immigration and for his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The event showcased Harris’s policy priorities and her engagement with diverse communities to garner support for her political agenda.
