Telegram is where we really talk. Don't miss out!
Former Vice President Kamala Harris stated that her party is taking the “right approach” by resisting Republican demands for healthcare concessions during the ongoing government shutdown.
Harris expressed these views during an interview with the Associated Press while visiting Birmingham, Alabama, as part of her 107 Days book tour.
She mentioned that she keeps in touch with Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill and has urged them to persist in their efforts to protect insurance premium tax credits from expiration.
“The Republicans control the House. They control the Senate. They control the White House. They are in charge, and they are responsible for the shutdown,” she remarked.
Harris emphasized that Democrats are “doing the right thing by standing up for working people and not allowing the Republicans to carry a tax cut for the wealthiest people in our country on the backs of working people in America.”
The government shutdown is now in its third week with no resolution in sight. Republicans have attributed blame to Democratic leaders, noting that reopening the government requires 60 votes, while there are only 53 Republicans in the Senate.
The National Republican Congressional Committee has also released an attack ad featuring an AI-generated image of Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) saying, “Every day gets better for us,” taken from a previous statement he made regarding the shutdown.
Sen. John Thune (R-SD) has sent the Senate home for the weekend, indicating that the shutdown will continue until at least Monday. The House has not been in session since last month.
The role of Harris within the Democratic Party has been a topic of discussion, especially following her unsuccessful presidential bid. Some party members, like Governors Gavin Newsom (D-CA) and JB Pritzker (D-IL), are attempting to fill any perceived leadership gaps.
Despite this, Harris maintains her position as a significant voice in the party. “I am a leader of the party,” she declared to the AP. “I take seriously that responsibility and duty that I feel” as the previous nominee, which includes engaging with constituents and preparing for the 2026 midterms.
Harris’s aides informed the Associated Press that she plans to support Democratic gubernatorial candidates Abigail Spanberger in Virginia and Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey through campaigning and fundraising efforts. She also recently organized a fundraiser for North Carolina Senate candidate Roy Cooper.
KAMALA HARRIS RETURNS TO DC FOR 107 DAYS BOOK TOUR
It remains uncertain whether her recent activities will lead to a 2028 presidential campaign. Her book has been critical of several party figures, leading some to speculate about her future in politics.
However, she insists that no decisions regarding her political future have been made.
