On [insert date here], Vice President: Kamala Harris strongly condemned the tragic school shooting in Georgia during a campaign event in New Hampshire. Addressing the crowd, Harris expressed her deep concern over the increasing frequency of gun violence in the United States, stating, “It doesn’t have to be this way.” Her comments came just days before a highly anticipated debate with former President Donald Trump, scheduled for Tuesday night, which will air .
Harris Speaks Out on Gun Violence Epidemic
Vice President Harris’s remarks in New Hampshire were clear and forceful, emphasizing the devastating impact that gun violence continues to have on American families, particularly those who send their children to school with the constant fear that they may not return home safely.
“It’s just outrageous that every day in our country, in the United States of America, parents have to send their children to school worried about whether or not their child will come home alive. It’s senseless. We’ve got to stop it, and we have to end this epidemic of gun violence in our country once and for all,” Harris said.
Her statement reflects the growing frustration among many Americans about the country’s persistent struggles with gun violence, particularly in schools. Harris’s plea to end the epidemic was a significant moment in her campaign, showcasing her commitment to addressing one of the most pressing issues facing the nation today.
Donald Trump’s Response: A Different Tone
Former President Donald Trump also responded to the Georgia school shooting, though his tone and message were notably different. In a released statement, Trump expressed his condolences to the victims but refrained from discussing specific measures to address the issue of gun violence.
“Our hearts are with the victims,” Trump said, referring to the children who lost their lives. He described the shooter as a “sick and deranged monster” but made no mention of any plans to prevent future tragedies or to tackle the growing issue of gun violence in schools and across the nation.
This sharp contrast in their responses—Harris’s call to action versus Trump’s message of sympathy—highlights the different approaches the two leaders may take when it comes to addressing gun violence, an issue that is expected to play a central role in the upcoming debate.
Harris’s Focus on Economic Proposals
While Harris’s condemnation of the Georgia shooting grabbed headlines, her visit to New Hampshire was primarily focused on outlining her economic proposals to support small businesses. Harris emphasized the importance of small businesses in the American economy, stating, “I believe America’s small businesses are an essential foundation to our entire economy.”
Harris’s plan aims to help launch 25 million small businesses, and she proposed several measures to achieve this goal. Some of the key elements of her plan include:
- Expanding Tax Deductions: Harris plans to significantly expand tax deductions for startup costs, making it easier for new businesses to get off the ground.
- Reducing Red Tape: She also wants to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and regulations that small businesses often face, easing the process for entrepreneurs.
- Standard Deduction for Small Businesses: Another part of her proposal involves creating a standard deduction specifically for small businesses, making the tax system more straightforward for small business owners.
By emphasizing these points, Harris aimed to draw a sharp contrast with Trump’s economic policies. She argued that while she seeks to empower small businesses, Trump’s policies would primarily benefit the wealthy.
“He plans to give billionaires massive tax cuts and cut corporate taxes by over a trillion dollars, even as they pull in record profits,” Harris said, critiquing Trump’s economic agenda.
Harris and Trump Prepare for High-Stakes Debate
As the Vice President campaigns and promotes her economic plans, she is also preparing for what is set to be a pivotal moment in the race—the debate with Trump scheduled for next Tuesday. Harris has been traveling across the country, but she plans to hunker down in Pittsburgh to prepare for her first face-to-face debate with the former President.
When asked about her debate preparations, Harris responded confidently: “So far, so good,” suggesting that she feels ready for the challenge ahead.
On the other side, Trump also expressed confidence in his preparation, saying, “You know what I say about debates—and I think this is true with a lot of people, but they don’t say it—I’ve been preparing all my life for this debate.” His comments suggest that he is approaching the debate with the same sense of readiness and determination that has marked his previous political battles.
A Divided Political Landscape: High Stakes for the Debate
The debate on Tuesday will be the first time Harris and Trump go head-to-head, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Both candidates represent starkly different visions for the future of the country, and the debate will give voters a clearer picture of how each would address critical issues like gun violence, the economy, and healthcare.
Harris has consistently positioned herself as a candidate who is focused on solving the issues that impact everyday Americans, from school safety to economic opportunities for small businesses. Her commitment to addressing the epidemic of gun violence is likely to be a focal point during the debate.
Trump, on the other hand, is expected to emphasize his record as President, particularly on issues related to the economy and national security. However, his approach to gun violence and school shootings remains less clear, and how he handles this issue during the debate will be closely watched.
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High-Profile Endorsements for Harris
As Harris continues to campaign, she has garnered high-profile endorsements from across the political spectrum. Recently, former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney made headlines when she announced that she would be voting for Harris in the upcoming election.
In a statement, Cheney said, “Because of the danger Donald Trump poses, not only am I not voting for Donald Trump, but I will be voting for Kamala Harris.” Cheney has been a vocal critic of Trump, particularly in the aftermath of the January 6th insurrection, where she co-chaired the committee investigating Trump’s role in the events.
Additionally, Jimmy McCain, the son of the late Republican Senator John McCain, also announced that he would be voting for Harris. McCain, a veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, criticized Trump for politicizing a recent visit to Arlington National Cemetery. McCain said, “It blows me away,” referring to Trump’s actions.
These endorsements are significant, as they signal growing bipartisan support for Harris, particularly among Republicans who have become disillusioned with Trump’s leadership.
Conclusion: A Critical Moment for America
As the nation reels from yet another tragic school shooting, Vice President Kamala Harris has taken a strong stance against gun violence, calling for urgent action to address the epidemic. Her remarks in New Hampshire were a powerful reminder of the importance of tackling this issue head-on, particularly as the country faces rising gun-related incidents.
In the days leading up to the debate, Harris will continue to push her message of hope, action, and progress, focusing on small businesses and gun control as two key pillars of her campaign. Meanwhile, Trump’s response to the shooting and his preparation for the debate will also be under intense scrutiny.
The upcoming debate will be a pivotal moment in the race for the presidency, giving voters a chance to see how each candidate plans to lead the country through its most pressing challenges. As both Harris and Trump prepare for the high-stakes encounter, the nation watches closely, knowing that the outcome could shape the future of the United States.
Be sure to tune in on Tuesday night, right here on ABC, for the much-anticipated presidential debate at 9:00 PM Eastern, moderated by ABC’s own David Muir and Linsey Davis.
Key Points Summary:
- Kamala Harris Condemns Georgia Shooting: Harris spoke passionately about the need to end gun violence in the U.S. during a campaign event in New Hampshire.
- Trump’s Response: Trump expressed condolences but did not mention specific plans to address gun violence.
- Economic Proposals: Harris outlined her plans to support small businesses, including expanded tax deductions and regulatory reforms.
- High-Stakes Debate: The first debate between Harris and Trump will take place next Tuesday, with both candidates preparing for a critical moment in their campaigns.
- High-Profile Endorsements: Liz Cheney and Jimmy McCain, both prominent Republicans, have announced their support for Harris, citing concerns about Trump’s leadership.