OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Vice President Kamala Harris faced tough questions from a reporter regarding the recent escalation in the Gaza conflict following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
During a press briefing in Detroit on Saturday after a campaign event, Harris responded to reporters’ inquiries. Since Sinwar’s death earlier this week, she has commended Israel for eliminating the notorious leader while also calling for peace in the region.
Since declaring her candidacy, Harris has encountered backlash from the pro-Palestine faction of the Democratic Party regarding the Biden administration’s stance on Israel. A reporter inquired whether the Gaza issue could jeopardize her chances in the election.
Here’s how the exchange went:
REPORTER: There’s a lot of churn and turmoil within the Arab-American and Muslim communities here in Michigan. Do you think you could lose the election because of Gaza and what. You know, overnight there were more strikes. 32 more people were killed in Gaza, some in hospitals. You know, how risky is it that you could lose the election?
HARRIS: Well, it is undeniable that it is something that everyone is aware of. What is happening there. I speak publicly all the time about the fact that there are so many tragic stories coming from Gaza. And of course, the first in this phase of everything that has happened. The first most tragic story is October 7th. And what happened that day and then what has happened since. And I think what’s critically important as we look at this moment is one acknowledging the tragedy of what has happened in Gaza in terms of the extraordinary number of innocent Palestinians who have been killed. And taking that seriously and speaking truth about that. In addition, of course, to what I said about what happened on October 7th, in terms of 1200 innocent Israelis being slaughtered, women being horribly raped, and then fast forwarding to today with the killing of Sinwar. This creates an opening that I believe we must take full advantage of to dedicate ourselves to ending this war and bringing the hostages home.
REPORTER: That is not working so far.
HARRIS: You know what? Listen, as it relates to the issues in the Middle East and in particular in that region, it has never been easy. But that doesn’t mean we give up, okay? It is always going to be difficult. It does not mean we give up. We can’t give up.
WATCH:
Kamala Harris has a brain glitch and delivers a minute-long word salad when reporter asked whether she might lose the election because of the war in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/ubfIdHH39j
— Martin Walsh (@MWalshUS) October 21, 2024
The exchange came on the heels of a massive endorsement in the Muslim community for her GOP opponent, former President Donald Trump.
Hamtramck, Michigan Mayor Amer Ghalib, who is Muslim, appeared on stage with the former president on Friday, where he gave him his endorsement, The Detroit News reported.
“As you know, President Trump keeps saying that our country is in decline, and the ship is sinking. So sometimes it’s wise enough to sail against the wave so we can get to the shore safely under the leadership of President Trump and that’s why I endorsed President Trump in this area in Wayne County,” the mayor, who heads a city with the first all-Muslim city council in the United States, said.
“We had a history of disconnect and miscommunication with the Republican Party and the party of common sense. Now we are here to end that disconnect,” the mayor, a Democrat who leads the first Muslim-majority city in the nation, said. “And (Trump’s) visit today is to show respect and appreciation for our community.”
When it was his turn to speak, Trump said that his Middle East policy would have the goal of achieving peace.
“You know, we all ultimately want one thing. We want peace in the Middle East, and we’re going to get peace in the Middle East,” he said as one man in the crowd shouted, “We trust you.”
