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Pittsfield, Massachusetts — Vice President Kamala Harris held her first significant fundraiser on Saturday as she emerged as the leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Addressing an audience of over 800 primarily Democratic donors in Pittsfield, Harris used the occasion to outline her campaign objectives and highlight her achievements, contrasting her record with that of former President Donald Trump.
“As attorney general, I challenged one of the largest for-profit colleges that was deceiving students,” Harris remarked to the crowd. “In contrast, Donald Trump operated a for-profit college that misled students,” alluding to the controversial Trump University, which resulted in Trump agreeing to pay $25 million to settle allegations from former students in 2016.
Furthermore, Harris referenced the May 2023 jury verdict in which Trump was found liable for sexually assaulting writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s. “I specialized as a prosecutor in cases of sexual abuse,” she noted. “Trump was found liable for such actions.”
Harris expressed her desire for Trump to participate in a debate with her. Following President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race amid a backlash regarding his initial debate performance, a second debate was previously scheduled for September 10 on ABC. Trump has indicated a willingness to debate Harris, but insists it should occur on Fox News.
“You might have heard he decided to withdraw from the debates,” Harris stated. “I hope he reconsiders; we have many important topics to discuss.” Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung remarked that a debate with Harris couldn’t be arranged because “Democrats may still alter their decision on the nominee.”
At the fundraiser, Harris reiterated her commitment to finally passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, which aims to restore provisions from the 1965 Voting Rights Act that were invalidated by the Supreme Court.
She also reiterated her focus on reducing gun violence and advancing reproductive rights. “When Congress reinstates reproductive freedom, as the president, I will sign it into law,” she asserted.
Harris noted the early momentum of her campaign, stating, “We have the wind at our backs,” while also acknowledging the challenges ahead, reminding her supporters, “We must fight; we are the underdogs in this race.” According to her campaign, over $100 million has been raised since launching.
The event, which was organized to benefit the Harris Victory Fund, successfully garnered $1.4 million, significantly exceeding the initial goal of $400,000. This fundraiser was notable as the first significant political event in the Berkshires since Michelle Obama’s visit in 2012.
Locals in Pittsfield lined the streets outside the Colonial Theater, expressing excitement about their city taking a prominent role in the presidential race. Supporters of Harris displayed banners reading “Girl Boss,” “first female president,” and even humorous slogans referencing recent remarks from Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance about women.
“It’s time for a woman to lead, and I refuse to go backward,” declared Patricia Labendz, a resident of Pittsfield. “We have come too far. A woman’s body is her own, and nobody should dictate what she can do with it.”
While some attendees expressed their allegiance to Trump with large flags, pro-Palestinian protestors also gathered outside the venue. “You need to choose a side and commit to it,” stated Eyad Alkurabi, a Pittsfield local, emphasizing the importance of standing firmly with the Palestinian people.
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