Vice President Kamala Harris recently reached out to Republican voters potentially seeking an alternative to former President Donald Trump. During an interview on Fox News with host Bret Baier, following her campaign stop in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, she was joined by numerous Republicans who have expressed their support for her.
NPR’s Sarah McCammon, reporting from the event, highlighted Harris’s strategy to attract moderate Republicans who feel uneasy about Trump, particularly after his attempts to challenge the results of the 2020 election. At the event, Harris was accompanied by former members of Congress, including Adam Kinzinger and former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan. Harris humorously noted the unusual nature of the gathering and urged more Republicans to support her efforts. To underscore her message, she echoed a well-known statement by former President Ronald Reagan, referring to America as “that shining city upon a hill” meant to inspire globally.
The location of her speech, Washington Crossing State Park in Pennsylvania, was symbolic as it is historically linked to George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River, a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War. Harris described Trump as contrary to the Founding Fathers’ ideals.
In the Fox News interview, Baier challenged Harris on immigration and border security, reflecting key concerns for many Republican voters. Baier also questioned how her presidency would differ from President Biden’s administration. Harris clarified that her leadership would not mirror Biden’s, asserting that she would introduce her unique experiences and ideas, emphasizing her status as representing a new generation of leaders.
Although she didn’t directly address Baier’s inquiry regarding specific policy differences from Biden, Harris differentiated herself by highlighting her extensive experience outside Washington and expressed an intention to collaborate more closely with Republicans, particularly on issues like supporting small businesses. She reiterated her commitment to including a Republican in her Cabinet if elected.
The groups supporting Harris in her efforts to connect with Republicans are targeting moderates, such as those who backed former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley in the primary. Barry Myers from Glenside, Pennsylvania, noted that many of his moderate Republican friends are inclined to support Harris, while acknowledging the strong support within the party for Trump, who still enjoys around 80% favorability among Republicans.
