In a recent interview with NBC News’s Hallie Jackson, Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her confidence that the United States is ready for a female president, emphasizing that voters are more concerned with the candidates’ ability to serve the public than their gender. “Absolutely,” Harris affirmed when asked about the readiness of the nation for a woman, particularly a woman of color, in the Oval Office.
Harris highlighted the importance of moving beyond an era that she feels has emphasized division among Americans. “The vast majority of us have so much more in common than what separates us,” she noted, insisting that Americans deserve a leader who represents all citizens.
When asked why she hasn’t leaned more into the significance of her candidacy as a woman of color, Harris responded with humor. “I’m clearly a woman. I don’t need to point that out to anyone,” she said. She stressed that the main concern for most voters is whether a candidate can effectively do the job and address their needs. “That is why I spend the majority of my time listening and then addressing the concerns, the challenges, the dreams, the ambitions, and the aspirations of the American people,” she added, drawing a contrast between her focus on the public and Donald Trump’s self-centered approach.
Harris acknowledged the potential for Trump to attempt to disrupt the electoral process, stating that her team is prepared to handle any challenges that may arise on election night and beyond. “We have the resources and the expertise and the focus on any potential threats to election results,” she said, referencing Trump’s prior declaration of victory before all votes were counted in 2020.
Reflecting on Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election results and his claims of voter fraud, Harris called attention to the serious implications of his actions. “This is a person who tried to undo the free and fair election, who incited a violent mob to attack the United States Capitol,” she stated, highlighting the tragic events of January 6, 2021, when supporters of Trump stormed the Capitol.
With just two weeks until the election, Harris remarked on the critical choice facing American voters regarding the future of the country. Jackson also brought up concerns about the economy and rising prices, asking Harris how her policies would differ from those of the Biden administration. “I bring my own experiences, my own ideas to it,” she replied.
When asked about the possibility of making concessions regarding women’s reproductive rights if she were to win amidst a Republican-controlled Congress, Harris stood firm. “I don’t think we should be making concessions when we’re talking about a fundamental freedom,” she asserted.
On the topic of pardoning Trump, which Jackson suggested might help unite the country, Harris was resolute. “I’m focused on the next 14 days,” she stated, firmly emphasizing her commitment to her campaign. “Let me tell you what’s going to help us move on: I get elected to president of the United States.”