Kamala Harris made history as the first woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to be elected as vice president of the United States. During her nomination speech, she made several key statements on various issues such as the national debt and tariffs. The CBS News Confirmed team fact-checked these statements to determine their accuracy and whether they were misleading.
One claim made by Harris was about the national debt, stating that it had grown by $7 trillion during the Trump administration. The fact-checking team confirmed this statement as true, noting that the national debt did indeed increase by $7 trillion during that time period. They also pointed out that the debt had been on an upward trajectory before Trump took office. This fact check highlights the importance of providing context when making claims about economic issues.
Another statement made by Harris was regarding tariffs, claiming that Trump’s trade war with China cost the average American family $1,277. The fact-checking team found this statement to be mostly true, as the cost to the average American family was estimated to be around $831. While not exactly matching Harris’s claim, this fact check still shows the impact of tariffs on everyday Americans.
Harris also spoke about the Affordable Care Act (ACA), stating that Trump was trying to eliminate it and take away protections for people with preexisting conditions. The fact-checking team confirmed this statement as true, noting Trump’s efforts to repeal the ACA and potentially strip protections for those with preexisting conditions. This fact check highlights the ongoing debate surrounding healthcare in the United States and the potential impact of policy changes on people’s access to healthcare.
Additionally, Harris mentioned the Green New Deal, stating that it would create millions of jobs and combat climate change. The fact-checking team found this statement to be mostly true, as the Green New Deal does propose creating millions of jobs in renewable energy sectors. However, the team noted that the impact on combating climate change would depend on the implementation of the plan. This fact check highlights the importance of considering both the potential benefits and challenges of policy proposals.
Harris also discussed the racial wealth gap, stating that Black and Latino families have one-tenth of the wealth of white families. The fact-checking team confirmed this statement as true, highlighting the stark disparity in wealth between different racial groups in the United States. This fact check underscores the systemic inequalities that exist in the country and the need for policies to address and reduce these disparities.
In conclusion, the fact-checking of Kamala Harris’ nomination speech reveals a mix of true and mostly true statements, as well as some claims that may require further nuance or context. The process of fact-checking helps to ensure that political speeches are based on accurate information and that the public can make informed decisions. By examining the accuracy of key statements made by political leaders, fact-checking contributes to a more transparent and accountable political discourse.
