KAMALA Harris is facing criticism for her response to pro-Palestine campaigners who interrupted her rally on Wednesday evening.
Around halfway through the Democratic presidential nominee’s remarks, around a dozen protesters could be heard chanting: “Kamala, Kamala, you can’t hide! We won’t vote for genocide.”
Initially, Harris acknowledged the protesters and said she was “here because we believe in democracy” and that everyone had a right to voice their opinions.
Pro-Palestine protesters just disrupted Kamala's speech in Michigan. Her response: "If you want Donald Trump to win say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking.” pic.twitter.com/Mf0CdEbDQg
— Read No Shortcuts (@JoshuaPHilll) August 8, 2024
“Everyone’s voice matters. But I am speaking now. I am speaking now,” she said.
As the protests continued, Harris’s tone changed and she said: “You know what? If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that.
“Otherwise, I’m speaking.”
The crowd could also be heard chanting “Kamala” in an effort to drown out the protesters.
The interruptions highlighted the war in Gaza remains a key issue for voters in Michigan, which has the largest concentration of Arab-Americans in the United States, NBC News reports.
Co-founder of campaign group the Uncommitted National Movement Layla Elabed reportedly told Harris: “Michigan voters want to support you, but we need a policy that will save lives in Gaza right now.
“I meet with community members every day in Michigan who are losing tens and hundreds of family members in Gaza.
“Right now, we need an arms embargo.”
A number of people took to Twitter/X to criticise Harris for her comments, with one user saying it showed she “doesn’t care” about the people of Palestine.
Another said it was a “bad faith response to people who just want to end a genocide” while others added that they were shocked she had said this in Michigan specifically.
More users commented that they felt pro-Palestine protesters should continue to campaign at rallies.
“Imagine doing a speech in Michigan and not discussing the issue of Palestine,” somebody else added.
