Vice President Kamala Harris made a significant appearance at her first major fundraiser since becoming the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. The event took place in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and was attended by over 800 individuals, primarily Democratic donors. During her speech, Harris presented her campaign pitch and defended her record against that of her rival, former President Donald Trump.
Harris highlighted her actions as attorney general, specifically mentioning her efforts to combat a for-profit college that was scamming students. In contrast, she pointed out that Trump had run a for-profit college, Trump University, which was also involved in legal disputes over allegations of deception. In 2016, Trump agreed to a settlement of $25 million to resolve civil lawsuits filed by former students.
Additionally, Harris referenced a civil verdict in May 2023, in which a New York jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll in the mid-1990s. Drawing on her experience as a prosecutor specializing in sexual abuse cases, Harris contrasted her record with Trump’s legal troubles related to sexual misconduct.
The vice president expressed her desire for a debate with Trump, urging him to reconsider his decision to withdraw from scheduled debates. Prior to President Biden’s exit from the race, a second debate between Harris and Trump had been planned for September 10 on ABC. While Trump has indicated a willingness to debate Harris, he has suggested hosting the event on Fox News instead.
In response to Harris’s campaign promises, Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, raised concerns about the uncertain nature of the Democratic nomination process and its potential impact on debate scheduling. Harris reiterated her commitment to passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, named after the late Georgia congressman and civil rights advocate. The legislation aims to restore key provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that were invalidated by the Supreme Court.
Furthermore, Harris pledged to address issues such as gun violence and reproductive rights, vowing to sign legislation that promotes reproductive freedom if elected president. Despite acknowledging the positive momentum of her campaign, Harris emphasized the need for continued efforts and described her supporters as underdogs in the presidential race. Her campaign reported raising over $100 million since its inception, reflecting strong fundraising support.
The fundraiser organized by the Harris Victory Fund exceeded expectations by raising $1.4 million, surpassing the initial goal of $400,000. The event marked a significant political gathering in the Berkshires, following a visit by former first lady Michelle Obama in 2012. Local residents in Pittsfield showed enthusiasm for their city’s role in hosting the fundraiser, with many expressing support for Harris’s candidacy.
Attendees displayed banners with messages such as “Girl Boss,” “first female president,” and a playful reference to comments made by Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance. Vance had previously made controversial remarks about women in leadership positions, prompting backlash from Harris supporters at the fundraiser. One resident, Patricia Labendz, emphasized the importance of having a woman in a leadership role and advocated for women’s rights to autonomy over their bodies.
While some residents showed support for Trump by waving large flags, a group of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near the venue to advocate for their cause. Eyad Alkurabi, a local resident, urged individuals to take a firm stance on supporting Palestinian rights and criticized perceived inconsistencies in political positions.
Overall, the fundraiser served as a platform for Harris to outline her policy priorities, engage with supporters, and contrast her vision for the country with that of her opponent, Donald Trump. The event showcased the enthusiasm and determination of Harris’s campaign and highlighted the diverse perspectives and issues shaping the current political landscape in the United States.
