VP Kamala Harris’ ‘Freedoms’ Tour Unlikely to Help Her Popularity – Vice President Kamala Harris embarked on a month-long “Fight for Our Freedoms” tour, engaging with students at colleges across the nation to discuss pressing issues ahead of the 2024 election.
In her recent stop at Reading Area Community College in Reading, Pennsylvania, Harris attempted to engage with students on the need to tackle gun violence.
Addressing Gun Violence
Harris started the event by acknowledging the fear students experience due to active shooter drills. Most students in the 500-seat auditorium raised their hands, emphasizing the urgent need to address gun violence. The Vice President commended the students for taking a stand and urged them to continue leading on this critical issue.
“You are leading on these issues,” Harris stated, receiving a resounding applause. “I’m here to say thank you and to encourage you to keep doing it.”
‘Fight for Our Freedoms’
The tour, which the VP says is aimed at addressing key concerns for young voters, began with visits to historically Black schools. Harris’ visit to Reading Area Community College highlighted the urgency to tackle gun violence and resonate with young voters ahead of the 2024 election.
Recent polls have indicated a challenge for the Biden-Harris administration in energizing young people and voters of color, vital demographics for the Democratic Party.
Harris’ visit comes amidst efforts to engage young voters and gain support from Hispanic voters.
The Importance of Hispanic Voices
The visit coincided with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, holding significant meaning for Reading, where over two-thirds of the population is Latino. Harris’ visit and engagement with the community aimed to bring about momentum for change, emphasizing the importance of every individual’s voice.
Harris’ discussion touched on various pressing issues, resonating with students and potentially inspiring a more significant number of young voters to participate in the 2024 election. Students left the event feeling empowered, considering their role in shaping the future of their communities.
What Experts Told Us
The college tour is seen by many as an effort to boost Harris’s approval ratings, which have been at a low point, and alleviate concerns among Democrats about her potential impact on President Joe Biden’s reelection bid.
Gary Frankel, a Ph.D. canidate in education policy at Texas A&M University told 19FortyFive: “Universities have historically been fertile pastures for progressive politics and activism, so it makes sense that the Vice President would expend considerable energy on that front.”
However, he was keen to stress that, “even with universities in Wisconsin and south Texas generating comparatively massive student turnout, college students are still among the least likely to be politically engaged. I’d be very surprised if this college tour has any noticeable impact on the Vice President’s polling or favorability metrics.”
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