US Election: Kamala Harris takes aim at Trump, calls for abortion ban, asks: ‘Everyone wanted Roe v. Wade overturned?’

Vice President Kamala Harris received a standing ovation during a rally in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Friday after introducing former first lady Michelle Obama. In her speech, Harris articulated her vision for the future and touched on important topics such as abortion rights and the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Solving current problems

“We are here as a community building a coalition because we love our country,” Harris said, emphasizing the importance of unity among Americans. During her speech, one of the critics interrupted her with a protest related to the war between Israel and the Gaza Strip. However, Harris addressed the disruptions, saying, “As far as Gaza is concerned, we need to end this war and bring the hostages home, but now I’m talking about 2024,” moving on to the importance of focusing on the upcoming 2024 elections.

Spotlight on Abortion Rights

The vice president discussed several of her policies, including one that allows Medicare to pay for home health care for seniors. She noted, “A lot of people are now living in what we call the sandwich generation, (those) who take care of your kids while you take care of your parents. This is a lot.”

Harris, turning the conversation to abortion rights, noted that one in three women live in states with restrictive abortion laws. She criticized former President Donald Trump for his stance on overturning Roe v. Wade, saying: “Donald Trump still refuses to even acknowledge the pain and suffering he caused. He insists everyone wanted Roe v. Wade to be overturned. Did everyone want this? asked Harris.

Harris detailed the dire consequences of these restrictions, describing how women are denied medical care during miscarriages and are often only seen when their condition worsens. “Women are denied care during miscarriages, some are treated only after they develop sepsis. They didn’t want this. Couples simply trying to raise their family who have been cut off from IVF treatment. They didn’t want it,” he said. Harris.

On the eve of the star-studded rally featuring Beyoncé, the vice president spoke to the press, emphasizing the consequences of political actions that have led to suffering for many Americans. She said, “Texas leaders have made this state ground zero for the fight for women’s rights to make decisions about their bodies.” She added: “I think it’s critically important to recognize that this is not just a political debate, this is not just some theoretical concept – real harm has happened in our country,” she said.

Harris continued: “There has been real suffering, people have died, and it’s important to highlight this issue because it is one of the most important issues that the American people will be grappling with when they vote for who is the next president.”

Engaging with Generation Z

Harris connected with younger voters, especially Generation Z, allaying their concerns about gun violence, climate change and restrictions on reproductive rights. “All these questions are not theoretical. They are not political. This is your life experience,” she said. Urging the audience to recognize their power and agency in fighting for change, she said: “Where are you, Generation Z? I’m counting on you because what I like about you is that you look forward to change.” Harris went on to say, “You know this is wrong,” Harris said to applause from the crowd. “I see you and I see your strength.”

Highlighting personal stories

A video segment during the rally featured testimonies from women who faced barriers to maternity care due to restrictive abortion laws. Harris highlighted the story of Amber Nicole Thurman, a Georgia woman who tragically died because she was denied timely medical care. “To these women, I say, and I think I speak for all of us: We see you and we are here with you,” she said, adding that there are “countless numbers of women and the people who love them who are suffering in silence.”

– How dare he? Harris questioned Trump’s boasts about his efforts to overturn Roe.

Call to action for men

Harris also addressed the role of men in the fight for reproductive rights, saying, “Men across America do not want their daughters, wives, sisters and mothers to be put at risk because their rights have been violated.”