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Former Vice President Kamala Harris expressed dismay over what she calls the unexpected capitulation of major institutions during Donald Trump’s administration, particularly criticizing universities, law firms, and media corporations for yielding to pressure.
“I always believed that if push came to shove, the titans of industry would be the guardians of our democracy,” Harris said during an appearance at Los Angeles’ Wiltern Theater on Monday. “I’ve been deeply, deeply disappointed in powerful people who are bending the knee at the foot of a tyrant.”
Her comments follow recent high-profile incidents in media, including Jimmy Kimmel’s six-day suspension from his late-night show by Disney-owned ABC, after which Trump called for NBC to fire fellow host Jimmy Fallon.
Harris’ remarks came during a sold-out conversation with “I’ve Had It” podcast hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan, part of the promotional tour for her newly released memoir “107 Days,” published on September 23. The book details her perspective on the 2024 presidential campaign, arguing that President Biden’s decision to run again was “reckless” and that her own campaign lacked sufficient time to succeed.
The former vice president, making her first visit to Washington since Trump’s inauguration, devoted significant attention to what she described as the administration’s campaign of disinformation.
“Journalists are so scared right now,” Harris said. “They’re scared they will be fired, or they will be the subject of one of Trump’s tweets and that they and their families’ lives will be at risk. They said to me that this administration is trying to keep the truth from the American people.”
Harris also highlighted concerns about cuts to science, research, and education under the current administration. She specifically mentioned plans to eliminate major satellite missions critical for climate monitoring and extreme weather prediction, noting the potential consequences for communities vulnerable to natural disasters, including wildfire-prone areas of California.
When discussing the Democratic Party’s future, Harris described much of the current conversation as “unproductive” and urged greater discipline, though she offered no hints about her own political plans.
“Enough with the savior complex – there’s not going to be a Messiah coming to save us,” Harris stated. “We’ve got a lot of stars in the party.”
She didn’t mince words when characterizing Trump, whom she accused of targeting political opponents. “He is incompetent, unhinged and juvenile. He has a fragile ego and he is the president of the United States. This is a very bad combination,” she said, adding, “Let’s not ever normalize what’s happening right now and get used to it.”
The event drew a predominantly female audience, many of whom expressed seeking hope and inspiration during challenging political times. Karen Marx, attending with a colleague while wearing a “Karens for Kamala” shirt, said before the show, “I’m hoping that I will get a sense of hope for the future from this. We are living in very difficult times, and we all need a little bit of hope to keep going.”
For Black female attorneys Rebecca John and Paige Samlant, Harris represents an inspirational figure in their professional field. “I would like to see her in office again,” John remarked. “In many ways, she embodies what a leader is, and a kind of leader we haven’t seen before.”
The event also attracted younger supporters, including high school students sporting custom shirts reading “incoming Discord call from Kamala Harris,” referencing the pop-cultural moment when singer Charli XCX described Harris as “brat” during the 2024 campaign season.
Briana Ford, a social media professional in attendance, appreciated Harris’ encouragement and calls to remain engaged. “Honestly, I would not fault her if she just disappeared and said she’s done her due diligence,” Ford noted, acknowledging Harris’ continued public presence despite her electoral defeat.
The evening held special significance for attendees like Chaka Cumberbatch, a first-generation American, who reflected on Harris’ broader cultural impact: “I don’t think she realizes the enormity of what she represented, for Black people, for brown people, for first-generation Americans, for immigrants.”
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10 Comments
Interesting insights from VP Harris on the threats disinformation poses to democracy. As a mining investor, I’m curious to hear her views on how misinformation impacts the commodity markets and the public’s trust in the industry.
Disinformation is indeed a major threat, but I wonder if Harris’ proposed solutions will be effective. Curious to hear more about her policy ideas to address this problem in a balanced way.
Disinformation is a complex issue with far-reaching implications, including for the mining and energy sectors. Harris raises important concerns, but I’d like to see more nuanced discussions on how to address this challenge while preserving democratic principles.
As someone invested in mining and commodities, I’m concerned about the spread of misinformation impacting public perception and regulatory decisions. Harris raises valid points, but I’d like to see more concrete plans to tackle this issue.
Harris makes a fair argument that disinformation undermines the foundations of democracy. However, I’m skeptical that increased regulation or censorship is the right approach. Perhaps more emphasis on media literacy and critical thinking is warranted.
It’s troubling to hear Harris’ disappointment in powerful institutions failing to uphold democratic values. This speaks to the broader challenge of restoring trust in our systems and institutions, which is crucial for the mining sector.
I appreciate Harris’ candid perspective on the challenges of combating disinformation, especially from powerful institutions. It’s a complex issue with implications across many sectors, including energy and mining.
As an investor in uranium and lithium, I’m concerned about how disinformation could impact the public’s perception of these critical minerals. Harris raises important points, but I’d like to see more practical solutions from policymakers.
Harris makes a valid point about the threat of disinformation, but I worry that increased government control over information could also undermine democratic freedoms. A balanced, multi-stakeholder approach may be more effective.
While I agree with Harris’ assessment of the dangers of disinformation, I’m not convinced her proposed solutions will be sufficient. The mining industry should also take a proactive role in addressing misinformation and restoring public trust.