CNN host Abby Phillip recently criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for her approach to immigration, stating that Harris tends to “float above it all” and avoid delving into the “nitty-gritty details” of key issues. Phillip made these remarks during a panel discussion on her show “NewsNight,” where participants debated Harris’ recent announcement of a visit to the southern border to highlight her stance on immigration.
This critique comes at a time when immigration is considered a strong suit for Harris’ Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, who polls indicate is more trusted by the public on this issue. Phillip’s comments were spurred by a resurfaced video showing Harris participating in a parade in Los Angeles in 2018, chanting “Down, down with deportation.”
In response to mounting pressure, Harris declared her intention to visit the southern border to showcase her credentials on immigration. Phillip highlighted the fact that this trip was arranged last-minute, suggesting that Harris and her team recognize the need to take action on this pressing issue. She emphasized that the move was an attempt to shift the narrative away from Harris being perceived as soft on immigration, especially in light of public opinion polls favoring Trump’s approach to the matter.
Under the current Biden-Harris administration, there has been a significant increase in the number of migrants crossing the southern border into the United States. Phillip criticized the Harris campaign for attempting to stay aloof from the immigration debate, noting that they seemed to be avoiding getting into the specifics of their policy proposals.
Despite Harris’ efforts to stay above the fray, Phillip pointed out that the campaign’s decision to address the issue head-on indicates a recognition that action is required. The criticism leveled at Harris by Phillip underscores the challenges the vice president faces in effectively addressing immigration concerns and positioning herself as a strong advocate on this critical issue.
The Harris campaign has yet to respond to requests for comment on these observations. It remains to be seen how Harris will navigate the complexities of immigration policy and address the criticisms raised by media personalities like Abby Phillip. As the debate continues, Harris will likely need to provide more concrete details and solutions to demonstrate her commitment to tackling immigration challenges effectively.
