This Is What a Losing Campaign Looks Like
AtlanticSep 24
Harris to Speak in Border State, Discuss Immigration
Above: Democratic presidential nominee and US Vice President Kamala Harris next to US Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) as she departs for the US-Mexico border from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Sept. 27, 2024. Image copyright: Kevin Lamararque/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
US Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris is traveling to Arizona on Friday to visit the US-Mexico border where she will be delivering a speech on immigration in Douglas, Arizona.
Harris is expected to pledge several immigration policies, including retaining Pres. Joe Biden's asylum restrictions — first implemented in June — as well as give more resources to Border Patrol and tackle the issue of fentanyl smuggling.
The Spin
Republican narrative
The American people, especially Arizonans, know Harris' immigration philosophy is terrible for the country. They also know she and Biden have let millions of illegal migrants into the country to eventually give them legal status and then citizenship, which means the ability to vote and thus reshape the American electorate to benefit Democrats. The White House is already conducting record-fast citizenship approvals, something Harris will only expedite further if she wins.
Democratic narrative
Harris isn't the first Democrat to deal with immigration criticism, but she is particularly effective on this topic. Harris is offering a smart and widely popular balance between effectively protecting the border from drug smugglers and expanding opportunities for immigrants seeking a good life in the US. Trump has used his influence to stall recent bipartisan immigration bills — Harris is looking for concrete solutions.