WATCH: Kamala Harris Scolds Protesters During Rally
By Jason Hall
August 8, 2024
A clip from Vice President Kamala Harris' Democratic presidential campaign rally in Detroit Wednesday (August 8) night shows her scolding protesters who she claimed were helping former President Donald Trump's chances of reclaiming the White House.
“You know what? If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking,” Harris said before pausing and staring at the group.
The pro-Palestine group chanted, "Kamala! Kamala! You can't hide! We won't vote for genocide" at the vice president, referring to their stance on Israel's war with Hamas.
“I’m here because we believe in democracy. Everyone’s voice matters, but I am speaking now," Harris said moments earlier in a calmer tone.
Wow, Kamala Harris just destroyed a heckler pic.twitter.com/TRYwapgEr9
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 8, 2024
Harris hadn't previously dealt with protesters at public events since announcing her candidacy to replace President Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket following his decision to end his re-election campaign last month. Biden has faced scrutiny from pro-Palestine groups, which included the moniker "Genocide Joe," and several swing-state polls showed that Arab and Muslim voters planned to end their support of the party, even potentially aiding Trump instead.
Michigan, which has a large population of Arab and Muslim voters, was won by Trump in the 2016 presidential election and Biden in the 2020 election. Harris said she supports Israel but has publicly criticized the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming that "far too many" civilians in Gaza were killed in Israel's war with Hamas and that she "will not be silent."