US Vice President Kamala Harris received a standing ovation Friday at a rally in Kalamazoo, Michigan, after an introduction from the former first lady. Michelle Obama. In her speech, Harris laid out her vision for the future and touched on important topics such as abortion rights and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza.

Fix current issues

“We are here as a community and coalition builders because we love our country,” Harris » proclaimed, emphasizing the importance of unity among Americans. During her speech, a heckler interrupted her with a protest related to the war between Israel and Gaza. However, Harris addressed the issue of disruption, saying, “On the subject of Gaza, we need to end this war and bring the hostages home, but now I’m talking about 2024,” moving on to the importance of focusing on the next elections in 2024.

Focus on the right to abortion

The vice president discussed several of her policies, including one aimed at allowing Medicare to cover home health care for seniors. She noted, “A lot of people right now are living in what we call the sandwich generation, (those) who take care of your kids while you take care of your parents. That’s a lot.”

Harris shifting the conversation to abortion rights, noted that one in three women live in states with restrictive abortion laws. She criticized the former president Donald Trump for his stance on overturning Roe V. Wade, saying, “Donald Trump still refuses to acknowledge the pain and suffering he has caused. He insists everyone wanted Roe V. Wade overturned. Come on. Did everyone want that? ” asked Harris.

Harris explained the dire consequences of these restrictions, describing how women are denied care during miscarriages and are often only treated when their condition worsens. “Women are denied care during miscarriages, some are only treated once they develop sepsis. They didn’t want this. Couples who were just trying to expand their families who were deprived of IVF treatments. They didn’t want that,” Harris said.

Before a star-studded gathering featuring BeyoncéThe vice president spoke to the press emphasizing that the consequences of political actions have led to suffering for many Americans. She said, “Texas leaders have made this state ground zero in the fight for women to make decisions about their own bodies. She added: “I think it’s extremely important to recognize that this is not just a political debate, this is not just a theoretical concept – real evil has happened in our country,” she added.

Harris continued: “Real suffering has taken place, people have died, and it’s important to highlight this issue because it is one of the most critical issues that the American people will address when they vote on who will be the next president.”

Engaging with Generation Z

Harris connected with young voters, particularly Generation Z, addressing their fears about gun violence, climate change and rolling back reproductive rights. “All of these questions are not theoretical. They are not political. They are your lived experience,” she said. Inviting the audience to recognize their power and ability to act for change, she said: “Where are you in Generation Z? I’m counting on you, because what I love about you is is that you are impatient for change.” Harris added: “You know it’s not right,” Harris said, to cheers from the crowd. “I see you and I see your power.”

Highlight personal stories

A video segment during the rally featured testimonies from women facing barriers to obtaining maternal health care due to restrictive abortion laws. Harris highlighted the story of Amber Nicole Thurman, a Georgia woman who tragically died after being denied timely medical treatment. “To these women I say, and I think I speak for all of us: we see you and we are here with you,” she said, adding that “countless women and people who love them, who suffer in silence.

“How dare he?” Harris questioned regarding Asset» boastful claims of his efforts to overturn Roe.

Call to action for men

Harris also addressed the role of men in the fight for reproductive rights, saying: “Men across America do not want to see their daughters, their wives, their sisters and their mothers put in danger because their rights have been removed. »