Donald Trump has “no desire” to act on immigration, says Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris attacked Donald Trump on his favorite issue Friday, saying the former Republican president has “no interest or business” eacute;sir" to act to improve the immigration system in the United States.

At a rally in Arizona, the only key state in the country that shares a border with Mexico, the Democrat tried to counter the billionaire's favorite argument in the campaign for the White House.

“Donald Trump does not want to solve this problem, let's be clear,” she said at a rally in Glendale, recalling that the tribune ordered Republican lawmakers not to vote on a bill on the subject in the spring.

“We know that our immigration system is broken and we know what needs to be done to fix it: comprehensive reform,” she added. “That includes strong border security and an earned path to citizenship.”

Donald Trump in Atlanta, August 3, 2024 © AFP – CHRISTIAN MONTERROSA

Among all the key states that the candidate is ploughing this week, Arizona is one of the tightest. Joe Biden beat Donald Trump by just 10,500 votes in 2020, and immigration is a key issue for voters.

The vice president is being fiercely attacked over the record of the Biden administration, under which massive arrivals of migrants took place, before drastic restrictions were imposed in June.

If he returns to power, Mr. Trump promises “mass deportations” of illegal immigrants, the feasibility of which is questioned by many experts.

– “Critical issues” –

Ms. Harris continues to ride the wave of enthusiasm that has carried her since Joe Biden's shock withdrawal: 15,000 people came to cheer her in Arizona.

With her candidacy, Democrats have regained hope that they can win Arizona and Nevada, where she will travel on Saturday. These two “Sun Belt” states were reclassified this week from “leaning Republican” to “uncertain” by the independent site Cook Political Report.

But the vice president reminded her supporters once again that she is running an outsider campaign.

“This is not 2016, and this is not 2020, you know, this time the stakes are even higher,” she insisted, denouncing the plans of Republicans who want to “ban abortion in every state.”

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Accompanied by her running mate Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota chosen for his outspokenness and his ability to appeal to rural America, she posed as a fighter for the “middle classes.”

Photo montage of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in July 2024 © AFP – Brendan SMIALOWSKI, Patrick T. Fallon

She also attacked Donald Trump on the climate, in a state where Phoenix, the capital, endured 31 consecutive days above 43 degrees last year.

“In Arizona, (…) you know this crisis is real. He calls it a hoax,” she recalled.

– Trump upset –

The crowds gathered this week by the new Democratic “ticket” — more than 10,000 people for each event — upset Mr. Trump, who on Thursday contested the “enthusiasm” surrounding Ms. Harris.

The 78-year-old businessman is holding a rally Friday night in Montana, a state that is already firmly rooted for the Republican cause.

This will be his first rally this week, and none have yet been announced for the next one. This lightened schedule has raised questions, as Ms. Harris has caught up with him in the polls.

Despite the change in Democratic candidate, the billionaire said Thursday that he had not “reviewed” his strategy.

Joe Biden is keeping a low profile, probably ensuring that the spotlight remains on his vice president.

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at Andrews Air Force Base, near Washington, August 1, 2024 © AFP – ROBERTO SCHMIDT

She appeared very present at his side last week during the return of American journalist Evan Gershkovich and other detainees released as part of a large prisoner exchange with the Russia.

The president and his number 2 will make their first joint campaign trip next Thursday since announcing his withdrawal, in the state of Maryland, near Washington.

The duo will talk about “the progress” made “to reduce costs for the American people”, according to the White House, while inflation remains a weak point for Ms. Harris.

The next big step for the candidate: the big Democratic Party convention, from August 19 to 22 in Chicago, where she will have to try to sustain the good momentum she is enjoying.

Then at least one televised debate is planned against Donald Trump, on September 10 on ABC. The Republican billionaire, anxious to regain the upper hand, has proposed two others, which have not been confirmed at this stage.

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