The Rhetoric, Lies, as exemplified by the false statements made by Comrade Kamala Harris during the rigged and highly partisan ABC Debate, and all of the ridiculous lawsuits specifically designed to inflict damage on Joe’s, then Kamala’s, Political Opponent, ME, has taken…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 16, 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris criticized former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Republican Senator JD Vance, for spreading baseless rumors about migrants eating cats and dogs in Springfield, Ohio, during an interview with members of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) on Tuesday. “It’s a crying shame,” Harris said. “My heart breaks for this community.”
With her move up in the polls, Harris should stop giving Trump a free option for another debate. I'd give a deadline say accept by Monday or offer rescinded.
— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) September 19, 2024
She expressed concern that the unfounded claims had instilled fear in an entire region and urged public figures to recognize the significant impact their words can have on the national stage.
You could make the case that the debate reassured white voters about Harris. The states where she's getting good post debate polling are the whiter states (good numbers in NH and ME today, for instance) not so much the Georgias of the world.
— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) September 18, 2024
“When you have that microphone in front of you, you really ought to understand at a very deep level how much your words have meaning,” Harris emphasized. City officials have dismissed the false claims as untrue. However, the rumors have led to threatening calls and bomb threats in Springfield, causing public schools and municipal buildings to evacuate.
Here is Kamala Harris’ full answer when asked if she would support executive action on creating a commission to study reparations: pic.twitter.com/ADMYExLIJr
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) September 17, 2024
False rumors causing real harm
University and college campuses in the area have also moved to remote instruction and canceled activities in response to the heightened threats. Senator Vance, Trump’s running mate, has repeatedly spread the rumor in recent weeks.
During an interview on Sunday, Vance expressed no regret for his actions. “If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people then that’s what I’m going to do,” he stated. Haitian residents in Springfield are trying to continue with their daily lives despite the political attention and associated challenges.
Harris’ appearance with NABJ followed a meeting between Trump and the group earlier this summer, during which Trump questioned Harris’ racial identity. The Vice President’s remarks highlight the dangerous consequences of spreading false information and underline the responsibility that comes with holding national office.
