Harris Holds Her First Fundraiser as the Likely Democratic Nominee as Donors Open Their Wallets
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris held her inaugural fundraiser as the presumptive Democratic nominee, drawing significant financial support and energizing her campaign against Republican rival Donald Trump. The event, hosted at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, was projected to raise over $1.4 million, far exceeding the initial goal set before President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race.
Harris addressed a crowd of enthusiastic supporters, framing her candidacy as one of resilience and determination. “I entered this race as an underdog,” she declared, expressing confidence in her ability to challenge Trump. “I will fight to move our nation forward,” she emphasized, contrasting her vision with Trump’s agenda, which she characterized as regressive.
The vice president did not shy away from criticizing Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, for their peculiar attacks on her and other Democrats. She referenced a past interview where Vance disparaged childless Democrats, suggesting that such comments reflect a broader pattern of “weird” rhetoric from the Republican ticket. “You may have noticed Donald Trump has been resorting to some wild lies about my record,” Harris remarked, highlighting the absurdity of their claims.
Harris's campaign has strategically labeled Trump and Vance's statements as questionable, with her team recently branding Vance as “weird and creepy” for his views on women's reproductive rights. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz echoed this sentiment, describing the Republican campaign as reminiscent of a “He-man women-haters club.”
The fundraiser attracted notable supporters, including musician James Taylor and prominent Massachusetts Democrats like Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey. Following Biden's exit from the race, Harris reported raising over $100 million within the first 48 hours, setting a presidential fundraising record. “This is a people-powered campaign,” she stated, underscoring the momentum behind her candidacy.
Harris, a former prosecutor, also took aim at Trump’s legal challenges, referencing his recent convictions and settlements. “I've been dealing with people like him my entire career,” she asserted, confident in her record compared to his.
Beginning her speech with praise for Biden, who endorsed her after suspending his campaign, Harris acknowledged his accomplishments over the past three and a half years as “unmatched in modern history.” In contrast, Trump labeled her a “radical left lunatic” during a separate event, claiming she would be his second choice for a challenger after Biden.
Harris articulated a clear distinction between her economic agenda and Trump’s, focusing on middle-class empowerment rather than tax cuts for the wealthy. “Building up the middle class will be the defining goal of my presidency,” she declared, framing the campaign as a battle between two divergent visions for America.
Looking ahead, Harris's office announced her upcoming campaign events, including a trip to Atlanta and a memorial service in Houston for the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a respected figure in the Democratic Party.
As the campaign unfolds, Harris's ability to galvanize support and articulate her vision will be crucial in the lead-up to the election, as she positions herself as a formidable contender against Trump.