Vice President Kamala Harris Faces Tough Questions at CNN Town Hall
Talking Trump
Vice President Kamala Harris faced a series of tough questions from voters during a CNN town hall event in suburban Philadelphia, where she also shared several introspective moments.
Voters pressed Harris on a range of issues, including her administration’s response to illegal immigration, its plans to restrain inflation, and its role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Trump’s Return to Power
Harris warned voters of the risk of former President Donald Trump’s return to power, including her public statement that Trump is a fascist.
Moderator Anderson Cooper asked Harris, “Do you think Donald Trump is a fascist?”
Harris responded, “Yes, I do.”
Economy and Taxes
Harris was also questioned on the economy and taxes, with some fact-checking of her statements.
She was asked about Trump’s plans to put in place a national sales tax of at least 20% on everyday goods and necessities, which she said would cost American consumers and taxpayers an additional $4,000 a year.
A fact-check showed that this estimate is on the upper end of independent economists’ predictions.
Harris was also asked about the tax rates of billionaires and ordinary workers. She stated that billionaires pay lower tax rates on average than teachers, firefighters, and nurses. A fact-check found this claim to be incorrect, with estimates showing that the top 1% of taxpayers, including billionaires, paid an average rate of 25.6%, while the tax rate for households earning between $50,000 and $100,000 per year was 15% or less.
Abortion and the Supreme Court
Harris criticized Trump over strict abortion laws enacted in several states, saying they threaten the lives of health care providers and include no exceptions for rape or incest.
A fact-check found this to be accurate, with some states making no exception for rape or incest.
Immigration
Harris faced questions about the U.S.-Mexico border wall, which Trump’s administration built 52 miles of new primary border barriers and 458 total miles of primary and secondary barriers.
She was also asked about the administration’s efforts to reduce immigration, noting that the number of migrants at the border has decreased by more than half since 2023.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vice President Harris faced tough questions from voters at the CNN town hall event, providing insight into her administration’s stance on various issues, including immigration, economy, and foreign policy. She also shared personal reflections, including her faith and her grief over her mother’s passing.
FAQs
Q: Is Trump’s return to power a risk?
A: Yes, according to Vice President Harris.
Q: What is Trump’s plan for the economy?
A: Trump plans to put in place a national sales tax of at least 20% on everyday goods and necessities, which would cost American consumers and taxpayers an additional $4,000 a year.
Q: Do billionaires pay lower tax rates than ordinary workers?
A: No, according to independents economists’ estimates, the top 1% of taxpayers, including billionaires, pay an average rate of 25.6%, while households earning between $50,000 and $100,000 per year have a tax rate of 15% or less.
Q: How much of the border wall was built by Trump’s administration?
A: Trump’s administration built 52 miles of new primary border barriers and 458 total miles of primary and secondary barriers.
Q: Has the number of migrants at the border decreased?
A: Yes, the number of migrants at the border has decreased by more than half since 2023, to about 54,000 in September 2024.
